How far can alpha radiation travel?

Study for the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Orange 1 Test. Ace your exam with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare confidently!

Multiple Choice

How far can alpha radiation travel?

Explanation:
Alpha radiation has limited range in air because these particles are heavy and carry a +2 charge, so they interact strongly with air molecules and lose energy quickly as they ionize atoms. This quick energy loss means they can only travel a short distance before coming to a stop. For typical alpha energies, the travel distance in air is about 2 to 3 centimeters. That’s why 2 to 3 cm is the best match among the options. The other distances are too short, too long, or not representative of how far alpha particles typically travel in air.

Alpha radiation has limited range in air because these particles are heavy and carry a +2 charge, so they interact strongly with air molecules and lose energy quickly as they ionize atoms. This quick energy loss means they can only travel a short distance before coming to a stop. For typical alpha energies, the travel distance in air is about 2 to 3 centimeters. That’s why 2 to 3 cm is the best match among the options. The other distances are too short, too long, or not representative of how far alpha particles typically travel in air.

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