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Range

The quantity range (R) describes the distance that a charged particle travels in matter. Here, ρ is the density (in kg/m3) of the material. The range is the integral of the reciprocal stopping power (S):

R = ∫ dE / S

Instead of the linear range R (in m), often the mass range ρR (in kg·m-2 ) is given. Here, ρ is the density (in kg·m-3) of the material.

Some useful formulas:

particle material energy
E (MeV)
linear range
R (cm)
mass range
ρR (g/cm2)
α-particle air 2 - 10 0.3 E3/2
proton air 1 - 200 E2
electron any 1 - 10 0.5 E
Related quantities
Last modified:01 January 2026 2.55 p.m.
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