Question

Rank alpha particles, beta particles, positrons, and gamma rays in terms of increasing ionizing power. Rank from lowest to highest ionizing power. To rank items as equivalent, overlap them.

alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, positrons

Answer 1

Ionizing power is the power possessed by radiation to ionize an atom or a molecule. This power depends on the mass of the particle. The higher the mass, greater is the ionizing power.

Alpha particle is helium nucleus and it has the highest mass. Beta particle is a high speed electron or positron. It has the same mass as that of positron. Gamma rays are mass less electromagnetic rays.

The order of increasing ionizing power is,

Gamma rays < beta particle = positron < alpha particle