The path traced by beta particles in air is:
Correct answer: B. Erratic
- A. Straight
- B. Erratic
- C. Circular
- D. Elliptical
Explanation
The path traced by beta particles in air is erratic. This is because beta particles are high-speed electrons emitted during radioactive decay. As they travel, they collide with air molecules, causing them to scatter and lose energy, resulting in a zigzag or erratic path.Option A, Straight, is incorrect because constant collisions with air molecules prevent beta particles from maintaining a straight trajectory over any significant distance.Option C, Circular, and Option D, Elliptical, are incorrect as they describe paths influenced by strong magnetic fields, which beta particles do not experience under normal atmospheric conditions.
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About Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay is the spontaneous transformation of unstable nuclei, described by decay constant, activity, half life and the exponential decay law. Work includes alpha, beta and gamma emissions, decay equations and remaining nuclei, with half life distinguished from the time required for complete decay.
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