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Grade 12Physical Chemistry

aplha rays travel a much lower speed than that of gamma rays which travel at/near the speed of light? but i am unable to understand that in my book it is given that alpha particles have high kinetic energy as compared to gamma rays? can you explain how? acc to me which has a higher speed should have more kinetic energy? please help

Profile image of nathan dsouza
10 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of Sakshi
10 Years ago
hey student..
the book also be refering to something called as “penetration effect” also right
so what you need to focus there is the formula for kinetic energy which is 0.5*mass*(velocity)2
so dont forget the importance of this mass factor..
this only is gonna make a difference in the entire explaination