How do alpha particles compare to beta particles in terms of penetration power?

Alpha particles have lower penetration power than beta particles due to their physical characteristics. Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them relatively large and positively charged. As a result, they interact more readily with matter, leading to a higher likelihood of being stopped by materials. They can be blocked by just a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin.

In contrast, beta particles, which are much smaller and consist of a single electron (or positron), possess greater penetration ability. Beta particles can travel further through materials because they experience less interaction per unit distance compared to alpha particles. For example, beta particles can penetrate through human skin and are generally stopped by a few millimeters of plastic or glass.

Understanding the relative penetration powers of these particles is essential for radiation safety and protection measures, as it helps determine the appropriate shielding and safety protocols necessary when handling different types of radioactive materials.