A beta particle has less mass than an alpha particle, but the speed of a beta particle emitted during radioactive decay is approximately 20 times greater than the speed of an alpha particle.
Which statement correctly compares properties of these two particles?
Beta particles are more penetrating and have less kinetic energy than alpha particles.
Beta particles are less penetrating and have less kinetic energy than alpha particles.
Beta particles are more ionising and have more kinetic energy than alpha particles.
Beta particles are less ionising and have more kinetic energy than alpha particles.
484 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics 5.2 Radioactivity, covering 5.2.1 Background radiation and measuring count rate, 5.2.2a Alpha, beta and gamma emission, 5.2.2b Deflection and ionising effects of nuclear radiation, 5.2.3a Radioactive decay, 5.2.3b Effects of decay on the nucleus and decay equations, 5.2.4a Half-life, 5.2.4b Choosing isotopes for applications, and 5.2.5 Effects of ionising radiation and safety precautions. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.