How far can alpha particles typically travel in biological matter?

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Alpha particles are relatively heavy and carry a positive charge, which contributes to their interaction with matter. In biological tissues, alpha particles typically interact with electrons and nuclei, leading to effective energy loss over a short distance. This interaction causes alpha particles to lose their kinetic energy quickly, limiting their range. Generally, they can travel only a few centimeters (or even less) in air and significantly less in dense materials like biological matter. As a result, the correct choice indicates that alpha particles can penetrate only a short distance into biological tissues before being absorbed or stopped.

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