Question

Which of the following characterizes an alpha ray? Choose all that apply.

a.) is less penetrating than a beta ray

b.) is electromagnetic radiation

c.)is composed of helium nucleii

d.) carries a positive charge

e.) is composed of electrons

Answer 1

(a) Correct: Alpha ray is less penetrating than a beta ray because alpha is composed of helium nuclei which is devoid of electrons and having a larger mass . Beta ray is a basically electron and has much smaller mass so it has higher penetrating power than an alpha ray.

(b) Incorrect : Alpha rays are composed of alpha particles which is basically a helium nuclei (containing two protons and two neutrons) and it is not composed of light or photon so it is not an electromagnetic radiation.

(c) Correct: Alpha ray is composed of alpha particles which is basically a helium nuclei devoid of electrons.

(d) Correct: It is a helium nuclei so it possesses two protons, two neutrons and no electrons so it is positively charged.

(e) Incorrect: Alpha ray is a helium nuclei which is devoid of electrons.