Radiation DetectorsRADIATION TYPESFigure 1 Alpha Particle Specific Ionization -vs- Distance Traveled in AirBetaParticleThe beta particle is an ordinary electron or positron ejected from the nucleus of a beta-unstableradioactive atom. The beta has a single negative or positive electrical charge and a very smallmass.The interaction of a beta particle and an orbital electron leads to electrical excitation andionization of the orbital electron. These interactions cause the beta particle to lose energy inovercoming the electrical forces of the orbital electron. The electrical forces act over longdistances; therefore, the two particles do not have to come into direct contact for ionization tooccur.The amount of energy lost by the beta particle depends upon both its distance of approach to theelectron and its kinetic energy. Beta particles and orbital electrons have the same mass;therefore, they are easily deflected by collision. Because of this fact, the beta particle followsa tortuous path as it passes through absorbing material. The specific ionization of a beta particleis low due to its small mass, small charge, and relatively high speed of travel.Rev. 0 Page 5 IC-06
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