What is the difference between alpha radiation and beta radiation?

• A. Alpha Radiation Is Stronger Than Beta
• B. Beta Radiation Is Stronger Than Alpha
• C. They Are The Same
• D. Beta Radiation Is Weaker Than Alpha

Answer: (B)

Alpha and beta radiation differ mainly in how they interact with matter. Alpha particles are heavy helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons) and carry a +2 charge, so they ionize a lot of atoms very quickly but travel only a short distance before losing energy. They’re effectively stopped by a sheet of paper or a few centimeters of air. Beta particles are fast-moving electrons (or positrons) with much less mass and a single charge. They ionize less aggressively per unit length, but they travel farther, so they require more substantial shielding than alpha but less than gamma radiation. Because of this greater ability to penetrate materials, beta radiation is stronger in penetrating power than alpha.