When comparing alpha and beta radiation, alpha radiation is generally considered to be stronger in terms of its ability to cause damage to matter, particularly biological tissue. However, strength can be defined in different contexts.
Alpha particles are heavy and carry a double positive charge. They consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them relatively massive compared to beta particles, which are much lighter electrons or positrons. Due to their mass and charge, alpha particles have a higher ionization potential and can cause significant damage to any material they encounter, including biological cells.
On the other hand, beta radiation consists of much lighter particles that can penetrate materials more easily compared to alpha particles. Beta particles are less ionizing than alpha particles, meaning they are less likely to cause damage to the surrounding materials, although they can penetrate further into tissues.
To summarize, while alpha radiation can be considered stronger in terms of the amount of energy it can impart to matter and the damage it can cause upon contact, beta radiation can penetrate deeper into materials. Thus, in terms of health hazards, if alpha emitters are ingested or inhaled, they can be more damaging, whereas beta particles can pose risks from external exposure.