Question

Which are true comparisons of alpha and beta decay? Check all that apply.

A. Beta radiation damages a cell more than alpha radiation.
B. Beta radiation can damage a higher number of cells than alpha
radiation.
C. Beta particles can travel farther than alpha particles.
D. Beta particles are bigger than alpha particles.

Answer 1

False

True

True

False

Step-by-step explanation:

Option A is False. Alpha radiation transfers more energy to the absorbing material than a beta particle. So alpha rays damage more cells than beta radiation.

Option B is True. Beta cells are more penetrating than alpha cells, hence they wreck more havoc.

Option C is True. Having smaller mass beta particles can travel farther, they penetrate through the skin and are absorbed by the body tissues. Alpha particles are heaver and don’t go past the skin cells.

Option D is False. Beta particles are fast moving electrons with a negative charge where alpha particles are made up of two neutrons and two protons and so it is a +2 charged helium nucleus.

Answer 2

See below

Step-by-step explanation:

A. False. Alpha radiation is more damaging to the cell than beta radiation.

B. True. Beta radiation is less damaging, but it has greater penetrating power, so it can damage more cells.

C. True. Beta particles have greater penetrating power than alpha particles.

D. False. Beta particles are electrons. Alpha particles are much larger helium nuclei.