Final answer:
Beta particles penetrate matter more deeply than alpha particles. Protection against alpha particles requires minimal shielding like paper, while beta particles need a thick wall of inert matter such as lead or concrete.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing alpha particles and beta particles and their abilities to penetrate materials, beta particles can penetrate matter more deeply than alpha particles. To protect against these particles, you would need different levels of shielding due to their different properties. Alpha particles are relatively massive and carry a double positive charge, which means they lose their energy quickly and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin. In contrast, beta particles are much smaller, with a single negative charge, and can penetrate further into materials; however, a thick wall of inert matter, such as lead or concrete, is usually sufficient to block both alpha and beta particles effectively.