Can a thin sheet of paper stop a beta particle?

The assertion that a thin sheet of paper can stop a beta particle is accurate. Beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive decay, have a relatively low mass and are significantly less penetrating than alpha particles or gamma rays.

Beta particles can be effectively stopped by materials that are only a few millimeters thick. A thin sheet of paper is sufficient to absorb the energy of these particles due to their limited penetration ability. When a beta particle interacts with the atoms in the paper, it loses energy and can be entirely absorbed before it has the chance to pass through.

In practical terms, while thicker or denser materials are typically required to stop more penetrating radiation, such as gamma rays and x-rays, the comparatively weak interaction of beta particles with matter means that even a simple barrier like paper can be used to shield against them effectively. This characteristic of beta radiation is fundamental in radiation safety and health physics, where appropriate materials are chosen based on the type of radiation being encountered.