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Of the three types of ionising radiation, $\alpha, \beta$ and $\gamma$ , why does $\alpha$ -emission cause the most ionisation?

$\alpha$ -particles have the smallest mass.

$\alpha$ -particles have the greatest mass.

$\alpha$ -particles move with the greatest speed.

$\alpha$ -particles travel the greatest distance in matter.

[Maximum number: 1]

Three statements about alpha ( $\alpha$ ) particles and beta ( $\beta$ ) particles are listed.
1 The magnitude of the charge on an $\alpha$ -particle is twice the charge on a $\beta$ -particle.
2 The mass of an $\alpha$ -particle is large compared with the mass of a $\beta$ -particle.
3 The kinetic energy of an $\alpha$ -particle is small compared to the kinetic energy of a $\beta$ -particle.

Which statements help to explain the different ionising effects of $\alpha$ -particles and $\beta$ -particles?

1, 2 and 3

1 and 2 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 3 only

[Maximum number: 1]

An $\alpha$ -particle and a $\beta$ -particle have the same kinetic energy.
Why does the $\alpha$ -particle have a larger ionising effect than the $\beta$ -particle as it passes through air?

The $\alpha$ -particle has a larger charge and a larger velocity so is closer to an air particle for a shorter time.

The $\alpha$ -particle has a larger charge and a smaller velocity so is closer to an air particle for a longer time.

The $\alpha$ -particle has a smaller charge and a larger velocity so is closer to an air particle for a shorter time.

The $\alpha$ -particle has a smaller charge and a smaller velocity so is closer to an air particle for a longer time.

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CAIE IGCSE Physics 5.2.2 The Three Types of Nuclear Emission Topic Practice

Question 1

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Question 3