Ionization by Particles (3)

Question 1

Specific Ionization

Answer 1

The number of Ion Pairs per unit length of a particles path

Question 2

Total Ionization

Answer 2

The total number of Ion Pairs produced along the particle path.

Question 3

Ionization of Alpha Particles

Answer 3

Because of how slow they travel (5% speed of light) and their mass of 4 (heavy), they have a high Specific Ionization

Question 4

Ionization of Beta Particles

Answer 4

Because of how fast they travel (99.95% speed of light) and mass (1/1840 unit mass) their Specific Ionization is much smaller than that of an Alpha Particle