In an experiment involving the interaction of radiation with lead, the data shown in the following table were obtained:
Pb thickness (mm)
3.5
6.5
10
13.5
15
17
19
21.5
24
27.5
30
34
38
43
50
counts/min
720
610
523
445
367
357
342
308
294
247
213
194
172
148
141
140
a) Plot the data. What type of radiation does the curve suggest?
b) If beta particles are present, what is their energy?
c) If gamma rays are present, what is their energy?