Question
Why is alpha radiation dangerous inside the human body? Select one answer only. Alpha radiation is electromagnetic radiation Alpha radiation is highly ionising Alpha radiation is very penetrating
Answer
4.7
(335 Votes)
Zelie
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
The answer is "Alpha radiation is highly ionising".
Explanation
## Step 1:Understand the type of radiation alpha radiation is. Alpha particles are heavily charged particles and are helium-4 nuclei.## Step 2:Acknowledge that each answer pertains to a different aspect of alpha radiation. "Alpha radiation is electromagnetic radiation", "Alpha radiation is highly ionising", and "Alpha radiation is very penetrating" all provides attributes regarding alpha radiation.## Step 3:Understand that Alpha radiation is not electromagnetic radiation. It is actually nuclear radiation emanating from radioactive decays.## Step 4:Substantiate the fact that Alpha radiation is only highly penetrating when it is in close proximity to nuclear tissue. In external circumstance, they can't even penetrate a sheet of paper or skin.## Step 5:Agree that Alpha radiation is, in fact, highly ionising. Meaning, it can cause ionisations of particles in the body. This makes it especially dangerous if it is ingested or inhaled.