If an unshielded sample of radioactive material emits alpha particles, what effect will it have on a person sitting in the next room? (Assume the wall between rooms is composed of concrete.)
Answer
A
The radiation will travel through the person’s body.
B
None, because the wall will block the radiation.
C
None, because the radiation will bounce off the person’s body.
D
The radiation will be totally absorbed by the person’s body.
Explanation
Alpha particles have very low penetrating power: they can be stopped by a sheet of paper or a short distance through air. A concrete wall will block them, so they will not reach the person in the next room. The correct choice is “None, because the wall will block the radiation.”
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