Question

how do the ionizing power and penetrating power of positrons compare to other types of radiation?
positrons have low ionizing power and low penetrating power.
positrons have high ionizing power and very low penetrating power.
positrons have high ionizing power and high penetrating power.
positrons have low ionizing power and high penetrating power.
positrons have intermediate ionizing power and penetrating power.
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Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the properties of positrons (a type of beta particle, specifically β⁺). Beta particles (including positrons) have intermediate ionizing power compared to alpha (high ionizing, low penetrating) and gamma (low ionizing, high penetrating) radiation. Their penetrating power is also intermediate—more than alpha (which can be stopped by paper/skin) but less than gamma (stopped by thick lead or concrete). Positrons, as beta - positive particles, follow the same general trend as beta - negative particles in terms of ionizing and penetrating power relative to other radiations.

• Option 1: Incorrect. Positrons don't have low ionizing and low penetrating power (alpha has low penetrating, high ionizing; positrons are different).
• Option 2: Incorrect. High ionizing and very low penetrating is characteristic of alpha particles, not positrons.
• Option 3: Incorrect. High ionizing and high penetrating is not a property of positrons (gamma has high penetrating, low ionizing).
• Option 4: Incorrect. Low ionizing and high penetrating is characteristic of gamma radiation, not positrons.
• Option 5: Correct. Positrons (beta⁺) have intermediate ionizing power (between alpha and gamma) and intermediate penetrating power (also between alpha and gamma).

Answer:

E. Positrons have intermediate ionizing power and penetrating power.