Why does an α particle cause more ionisation than a β particle if they have the same kinetic energy?

An alpha particle has a much larger volume than a β particle, so when passing by an atom it is more likely to collide with an electron and knock it out of the atom causing the atom to be ionised (meaning it is now an ion) and so more ions are created, making it more ionising than a β particle. Another reason why α particles cause more ionisation is because it has more charge. An α particle has a charge of +2, which is the opposite charge to the electrons orbiting the atoms, so the α particle attracts the electrons and pulls them away from the atom, leaving it with fewer electrons, making it an ion. On the other hand, β particles are electrons, so they have the same charge as the electrons orbiting the atom, so they will only push electrons back towards the atom, meaning it is unlikely that β particles iononise through this method.

Answered by Physics tutor

7920 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A geostationary satellite is orbiting Earth, a) What is meant by a geostationary orbit? b) Calculate the height at which the satellite orbits above the surface of the Earth. The radius of the Earth is 6400km and its mass is 6x10^24 kg.


What is resistivity?


A student studied how a few parameters of the electromagnetic radiation affects the I-V(current-voltage) curve of photoelectricity. By increasing one parameter he saw that the saturation current has risen. Which parameter it was?


For 100ml of a liquid with a mass density of 1(kg m^-3), and a specific heat capacity of 2(kJ kg^-1 K^-1), how much energy is required to increase the temperature of the liquid by 4 degrees celsius. Assume no heat loss and that the liquid does not boil.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning