The Passage of β-rays through matter

Abstract

1. The form of the absorption curves of homogeneous β-rays in aluminium has been investigated by means of a Geiger counter. It is found, in agreement with Schonland, that the main portion of the curve is linear, with pronounced initial and final flattenings. Similar initial flattenings were found for copper and silver, but not for gold.2. The range of β-rays emergent at different angles has been determined, and it appears that the loss of range is due to the increased path consequent upon scattering.3. Some evidence has been obtained of the angular distribution of plurally scattered particles, and of the existence of a most probable angle of scattering, similar to that found for α-rays by Geiger.