Compare the passage of charged and uncharged particles through matter. What are the approximate probabilities of...

Compare the passage of charged and uncharged particles through matter. What are the approximate probabilities of a single charged particle achieving a path- length equal to twice its range, or of a single photon having a pathlength twice as great as the mean free path lip? (Assume the photon is totally absorbed in its first interaction.)

Expert Solution

Consider the mean free path of a charged particle through that matter as and that of a photon is . The corresponding identities that they follow are and where the -s and -s represent cross-section and particle density for charged particle and photon respectively. Now, probability that they go twice as much distance as their mean free path are and similarly respectively [this is easily seen from the fact that probability that object travels macroscopic distance without interaction is ].

Once we have these, we can compare them. Their ratio comes out to be:

Now, in general a charged particle will interact only with the nucleus, whereas photons interact with electrons and the nucleus as well, thus this ratio is greater than 1 (because represents the total available cross-section, which is more for particles than photons), and hence it's more likely that a charged particle will travel twice it's mean path length rather than a photon doing the same.

genius_generous answered 2 years ago

For photons and neutrons, we tend to talk about probabilities of interacting, yet for charged particles...

For photons and neutrons, we tend to talk about probabilities of interacting, yet for charged particles we tend to focus on range and stopping power. Why the difference?

Two particles A and B are identical except that in passing through matter A interacts with...

Two particles A and B are identical except that in passing through matter A interacts with a force that is stronger than the one with which B interacts. Which of the following is true when comparing what happens when these particles pass through some material? A. On average, A will penetrate through more material before interacting than B. B. On average, A will penetrate through less material before interacting than B. C. On average, A and B will penetrate through...

What happens when a charged non-conductor is placed near an uncharged conductor body? Explain They repel...

What happens when a charged non-conductor is placed near an uncharged conductor body? Explain They repel each other. They attract each other. They may attract or repel each other, depending on whether the charge on the insulator is positive or negative. They exert no electrostatic force on each other. The charged insulator always spontaneously discharges

1. Calculate the approximate density of nuclear matter in g/cm3 . What would be the diameter...

1. Calculate the approximate density of nuclear matter in g/cm3 . What would be the diameter of a neutron star with the mass of two solar mass (2M)? 2. Calculate the binding energy of the last neutron in 4He and the last proton in 16O. What does this tell you about the stability of 4He relative to 3He, and of 16O relative to 15N?

What is the best evidence that dark matter is "cold" (i.e., consists of particles whose thermal...

What is the best evidence that dark matter is "cold" (i.e., consists of particles whose thermal velocities are very small today)? A. The observed temperature of the cosmic microwave background is only 2.73 K, so the universe is cold today. B. Warmer dark matter would have been moving too quickly to form the dark matter halos of galaxies. C. The kinetic energy (energy of motion) of dark matter particles must be very low so that the rare collisions with ordinary...

What are the approximate probabilities for the following situations for a random sample of 1000 individuals who have purchased fries at McDonald's?

In response to concerns about nutritional contents of fast foods, McDonald's has announced that it will use a new cooking oil for its french fries that will decrease substantially trans fatty acid levels and increase the amount of more beneficial polyunsaturated fat. The company claims that 97 out of 100 people cannot detect a difference in taste between the new and old oils. Assuming that this figure is correct (as a long-run proportion), what are the approximate probabilities for the...

What is the fundamental difference in how matter and energy move through an ecosystem? Consider the...

What is the fundamental difference in how matter and energy move through an ecosystem? Consider the laws of thermodynamics and the law of conservation of matter in your response. How does energy transfer constrain the number of trophic levels in an ecological community?

1) What is the current through and voltage across a capacitor after it is fully charged...

1) What is the current through and voltage across a capacitor after it is fully charged in a DC circuit? a) I=0, V=0 b) I=0, V=max c) I=max, V=0 d) I=max, V=max 2) What is the current through and voltage across a capacitor after it is fully discharged? a) I=0, V=0 b) I=0, V=max c) I=max, V=0 d) I=max, V=max

What is the difference between energy and matter when it gets processed through a system? How...

What is the difference between energy and matter when it gets processed through a system? How do different species interact with each other? (relationships between organisms like competition, etc…) What are some of the major threats to the biosphere and why is conservation biology important?

a. Compare the interactions of protons/alpha particles to electrons with absorber materials? What properties are factors...

a. Compare the interactions of protons/alpha particles to electrons with absorber materials? What properties are factors in slowing down and ultimately stopping these particles? b. Do you expect neutrons to slow down as a result of the same interactions? What type of material do you think could be used to slow down a neutron? Why? Hint: In a nuclear reactor, neutrons produced in the fuel are slowed down in the water. Think about why water is effective at slowing down...

Question