Which of the following has maximum ionizing power?
Correct answer: A. α
- A. α
- B. β
- C. γ
- D. Neutron
Explanation
Alpha particles have the highest ionization power than the other two types of radiation owing to the fact that an 𝝰-particle is a doubly ionized helium nucleus, i.e. He+2. 𝞫-particles are simply electrons (e-1), They have moderate ionizing power and 𝝲-rays are uncharged EM radiation and have the lowest ionizing power among all. Therefore, out of the three, 𝝰-rays have the most electric charge and are the most massive. Hence, when they are passed through a substance, they tend to ionize the substance (by attracting and stripping off the electrons from it) than 𝞫-and 𝝲-radiation. X-rays are also a part of EM radiation, but still cannot ionize as powerful as 𝝰-rays. Whereas neutrons have no charge and hence no ionization power.
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