Which radiation is an electron or a positron emitted from an atom and can be stopped by a thick piece of plastic or a stack of paper, potentially causing skin burns?

Which radiation is an electron or a positron emitted from an atom and can be stopped by a thick piece of plastic or a stack of paper, potentially causing skin burns?

• A. Alpha Radiation
• B. Beta Radiation
• C. Gamma Radiation
• D. Neutron Radiation

Answer: (B)

Beta radiation involves the emission of electrons or positrons from the nucleus. These particles are light and carry charge, so they travel only a short distance in matter and can be stopped by relatively light shielding—such as a thick piece of plastic or a stack of paper. Because of their moderate penetrating power, beta particles can deposit energy in the skin, potentially causing burns if exposure is close or shielding is insufficient. This distinguishes beta radiation from alpha radiation, which is stopped by a sheet of paper and poses the main risk if ingested or inhaled; gamma radiation, which is highly penetrating and requires dense shielding like lead; and neutron radiation, which has different penetration behavior and shielding needs. So the described characteristics point to beta radiation.

Beta radiation involves the emission of electrons or positrons from the nucleus. These particles are light and carry charge, so they travel only a short distance in matter and can be stopped by relatively light shielding—such as a thick piece of plastic or a stack of paper. Because of their moderate penetrating power, beta particles can deposit energy in the skin, potentially causing burns if exposure is close or shielding is insufficient. This distinguishes beta radiation from alpha radiation, which is stopped by a sheet of paper and poses the main risk if ingested or inhaled; gamma radiation, which is highly penetrating and requires dense shielding like lead; and neutron radiation, which has different penetration behavior and shielding needs. So the described characteristics point to beta radiation.