QQuestionPhysics
QuestionPhysics
"Which statement about alpha particles is FALSE?
A. Alpha particles are a harmless form of radiation.
B. Alpha particles have low penetrating power.
C. Alpha particles have high ionization power.
D. The symbol for an alpha particle is He.
E. All of the above are true."
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Understand Alpha Particles
Alpha particles are helium nuclei consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons. Let's examine each statement carefully.
Step 3:: Analyze Statement A
"Alpha particles are a harmless form of radiation" - This is FALSE. - Alpha particles are actually highly ionizing and can cause significant biological damage if ingested or inhaled. - While they have low penetrating power, they can be extremely harmful inside the body.
Step 4:: Analyze Statement B
"Alpha particles have low penetrating power" - This is TRUE. - Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper or human skin. - They cannot penetrate deeply into materials or tissues.
Step 5:: Analyze Statement C
"Alpha particles have high ionization power" - This is TRUE. - Due to their large mass and double positive charge, alpha particles create intense ionization along their path. - They interact strongly with matter, causing significant electron displacement.
Step 6:: Analyze Statement D
- An alpha particle is indeed represented by the helium-4 nucleus symbol $$^{4}_{2}\mathrm{He}$$ or simply $$\alpha$$.
"The symbol for an alpha particle is He" - This is TRUE.
Step 7:: Final Evaluation
The FALSE statement is A: Alpha particles are NOT a harmless form of radiation.
Final Answer
A (Alpha particles are a harmless form of radiation) is the FALSE statement.
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