Ionizing power is defined as the capacity of radiation to dislodge electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby generating ions. This power is determined by the radiation's energy and charge.
• Alpha particles (α): Comprising two protons and two neutrons, these are the most massive and carry a +2e charge. Despite their high ionizing power, their large mass and charge result in low penetration.
• Beta particles (β): These are high-energy electrons or positrons, carrying a −1e or +1e charge. They are significantly smaller than alpha particles, exhibiting higher penetration and moderate ionizing power.
• X-rays: As uncharged, high-energy electromagnetic radiation, X-rays have lower ionizing power than charged particles due to a reduced interaction probability with matter. Their penetration surpasses that of beta particles.
• Gamma rays (γ): These represent the highest energy, uncharged electromagnetic radiation. They possess significantly greater penetration than X-rays and are highly ionizing.
Considering their charge, mass, and energy, the increasing order of ionizing power is: X-rays, Beta particles, Gamma rays, and Alpha particles. The corresponding option order is: (A) X-rays, (B) Beta particles, (D) Gamma rays, (C) Alpha particles