For artificial transmutation of elements, various projectiles are utilized. Arrange the following pa — Nuclear Chemistry and Radioactivity Chemistry Question
Question
For artificial transmutation of elements, various projectiles are utilized. Arrange the following particles in order of their increasing penetration capacity as projectiles: $\alpha$ -particle (${}_{2}^{4}He$), Deuteron (${}_{1}^{2}H$), Proton (${}_{1}^{1}H$), and Neutron (${}_{0}^{1}n$).
💡 Solution & Explanation
Penetrating power of a projectile generally increases as its charge and mass decrease (making it less susceptible to electrostatic repulsion from target nuclei and energy loss). Neutrons carry no charge and are the best projectiles (highest penetration). Among charged particles, the $\alpha$ -particle has a $+2$ charge and is the heaviest, giving it the lowest penetration. Protons and deuterons have a $+1$ charge, making them better than $\alpha$ -particles. The correct increasing order is $\alpha\text{-particle} < \text{deuteron} < \text{proton} < \text{neutron}$.