Final answer:
Alpha particles have a greater range in the air than beta particles in the lead because beta particles, with their single negative charge, are more easily absorbed by the dense electron cloud in lead, whereas alpha particles can travel further in less dense environments like air. So, the correct option is d).
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the range of alpha particles to beta particles, it is important to consider the interaction of these particles with the medium through which they travel. Alpha particles have a double positive charge and a larger mass, resulting in strong interactions with other atoms and quick energy loss through ionization. Beta particles, on the other hand, have a single negative charge and are lighter. Alpha particles will have a greater range in the air due to their lower density and lower electron count, allowing them to travel further before being stopped. In contrast, beta particles will be absorbed more readily by the dense electron cloud in lead due to their charge and interaction with electrons, giving them a shorter range in lead.
In comparison, although alpha particles have a greater charge than beta particles, they can still travel farther in an environment such as air, where interactions are less frequent due to the low density. However, in a dense medium like lead, which has a high electron density, beta particles will be stopped much more efficiently because of their smaller mass and higher likelihood of interaction with electrons, leading them to lose energy quickly through ionizations.
This phenomenon is related to the charge affecting the strength of the electromagnetic interactions and can be described by the equation Δp = FΔt, indicating that the force (F) exerted by charged particles influences the momentum and energy lost during interactions. As such, the correct option explaining why an alpha particle can have a greater range in air than a beta particle in lead would be (d) Beta particles are easily absorbed by lead.