Answer to Question #137151 in Atomic and Nuclear Physics for Oyesanmi Segun Nathaniel

Question

State the mathematical relationship between linear attenuation and mass attenuation co efficient

Answer 1

According to Beer-Lambert law,

$I = I_0 e^{-\mu z} = I_0 e^{-\frac{\mu}{\rho}\lambda} = I_0 e^{-\alpha \lambda}$

where $I$ is intensity, $\mu$ - linear attenuation coefficient, $\alpha$ - mass attenuation coefficient, $\lambda = \rho l$ - the area density known also as mass thickness.

So, $\displaystyle \alpha = \frac{\mu}{\rho}$.

Answer: $\displaystyle \alpha = \frac{\mu}{\rho}$ .