Heavy ions, such as alpha particles, lose kinetic energy as they travel through matter. consider equation 31.1 or 31.2. where do heavy ion lose more kinetic energy?

a. the rate at which they lose energy does not depend on the speed of the ion.
b. when they are traveling at high speeds, just at they enter a medium
c. when they are traveling at low speeds, when they are almost stopped

c. When they are traveling at low speeds, when they are almost stopped

Explanation:

The rate at which they ions loose energy depends upon its charge and mass and not on its speed. For example, We know that alpha particles have high mass and high charge so they loose more energy than gamma radiation which has no mass and no charge. The slower heavy particle which has high linear energy transfer.

Hence, when they travel at low speed they are almost stopped.

There the correct answer is option C

hi there!

out of the two, (b) precision would be more reasonable.   however, both a and b could be pretty reasonable.

-awesomerepublic   : )