Physics
Figure shows a radioactive source S in a thick lead walled container having a narrow opening. The radiations pass through an electric field between the plates A and B.
(a) Complete the diagram to show the paths of α, β and γ radiations.
(b) Why is the source S kept in a thick lead walled container with a narrow opening?
(c) Name the radiation which is unaffected by the electrostatic field.
(d) Which radiation is deflected the most. Give reason.
(e) Which among the three radiations causes the least biological damage?
Answer
(a) Below diagram shows the paths of α, β and γ radiations:
(b) The source S is kept in a thick lead walled container with a narrow opening so that the walls of the container absorb the radiations which strike on them from the inside and thus radiations only come out through the narrow opening.
(c) γ radiation is unaffected by the electrostatic field.
(d) The β radiation is deflected the most.
α particle is a helium nucleus consisting of two protons and two neutrons. Beta particles are fast-moving electrons with a very low mass. α particles are heavier than β particles so β particles have a high charge to mass density as compared to α particles. Due to this reason, β particles are deflected much more than the α particles.
(e) α radiation causes the least biological damage.
Related Questions
How are γ radiations produced? Mention two common properties of the γ radiations and visible light.
State following four properties each of α, β and γ radiations — (a) nature, (b) charge, (c) mass, and (d) effect of electric field.
Figure shows a mixed source R of alpha and beta particles in a thick lead walled container. The particles pass through a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the plane of paper inwards as shown by x.
(a) Show in the diagram how the particles get affected.
(b) Name the law used in part (a)
The diagram in figure shows a radioactive source S placed in a thick lead walled container. The radiations given out are allowed to pass through a magnetic field. The magnetic field (shown as x) acts perpendicular to the plane of paper inwards. Arrows show the paths of the radiations A, B and C.
(a) Name the radiations labelled A, B and C.
(b) Explain clearly how you used the diagram to arrive at the answer in part (a).