if a nuclear explosion in space released a large amount of alpha,gamma and beta radiation, which of these would be detected first on earth by a radiation detector....why
2007-03-09 05:39:10 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
α Alpha radiation is radiation consisting of a Helium Nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons).
β Beta radiation consists of electrons.
Both Alpha and Beta radiation have mass and are thus limited in how fast they can travel.
Nothing with mass can every travel at, or faster than, the speed of light in a vacuum.
But γ Gamma radiation is not made of mass….it is an electromagnetic wave and electromagnetic waves ALWAYS travel at the speed of light.
We will detect the Gamma radiation first because it is the type which travels the fastest towards the Earth. There is no way for the massive α and β particles to keep up with the γ waves traveling at the speed of light.
2007-03-09 05:47:11 · answer #1 · answered by mrjeffy321 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gamma is electromagnetic energy and travels at the speed of light.
Beta is a high speed electron which does not travel at the speed of light.
An alpha particle is the nucleus of a helium atom. This is a bulky particle that, again, does not travel at the speed of light.
Also, the earth's magnetic field (van Allen belts) would, more than likely, defer the path of alpha and beta particles--they would more than likely enter the earth's atmosphere near the poles (you can see this as the northern or southern lights).
2007-03-09 05:56:43 · answer #2 · answered by williamh772 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
gamma, beta then alpha
gamma - electromagnetic radiation speed = c
beta - electron (or positron)
alpha - a helium (He) nucleus (2 protons + 2 neutrons)
1 proton mass=1 neutron mass = 1835 electron mass
Heavier masses will travel slower
Ke=.5mV^2
Let kinetic energy Ke=const for alpha and beta
.5m1V1^2=.5m2V2^2
m1=m2 /(4 x 1835) (m1 mass of an electron)
V1^2=(m2/m1)V2^2
V1= V2 sqrt (4 x 1835)
V1=86 V2
so beta will move 86 times faster than alpha.
2007-03-09 05:44:17 · answer #3 · answered by Edward 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gamma travels the fastest and furthest. It is also the most penetrative. Alpha is short ranged and heavy.
2007-03-09 05:46:56 · answer #4 · answered by James S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
gamma -- it's an electromagnetic wave and travels at the speed of light
2007-03-09 05:45:11 · answer #5 · answered by Gene 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋