Radiation energy emission spectra can be categorized into tw

Radiation energy emission spectra can be categorized into two main groups: those that consist of one or more discrete energies and those that consist of a broad distribution of energies. For each of the following, indicate whether “discrete” or “distributed” is a better description:

a. Alpha particle

b. Beta particle

c. Gamma ray

d. Characteristic x-ray

e. Conversion electron

f. Auger electron

g. Fission fragment

h. Bremsstrahlung

i. Annihilation radiation

Solution

(a) Alpha particle - Discrete

(b) Beta particle - Continuous

(c) Gamma Ray - Discrete

(d) Characteristic X-Ray - Discrete

(e) Conversion electron - Discrete

(f) Auger electron - Discrete

(g) Fission fragment - Continuous

(h) Bremsstrahlung - Continuous

(i) Annihilation radiation - Continuous