Nuclear Physics And Radioactivity Question 3

Question: Assertion : Neutrons penetrate matter more readily as compared to protons. Reason : Neutrons are slightly more massive than protons. [AIIMS 2003]

Options:

A) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

B) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

C) If assertion is true but reason is false.

D) If the assertion and reason both are false.

E) If assertion is false but reason is true.

Show Answer

Answer:

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Neutron is about 0.1 more massive than proton. But the unique thing about the neutron is that while it is heavy, it has no charge (it is neutral). This lack of charge gives it the ability to penetrate matter without interacting as quickly as the beta particles or alpha particles.