What describes the 'Stopping Power' of a material?

The concept of 'Stopping Power' refers specifically to the ability of a material to attenuate or absorb energy from charged particles that are passing through it. This process involves interactions where the charged particles collide with the atoms of the material, leading to a transfer of energy. The more efficient the material is at removing energy from these particles, the higher its stopping power.

In practical terms, stopping power is significant in radiation safety, as it helps determine the material's effectiveness in shielding against radiation, whether it be from alpha particles, beta particles, or other charged particles. It essentially quantifies how well a given material can reduce the energy (and thus the potential harm) associated with radiation exposure.

The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of stopping power. For example, the time it takes for a particle to lose energy does not encapsulate the material’s properties that lead to this energy loss. Similarly, the minimum thickness to block all radiation or the rate of decay of radioactive materials pertains to different concepts entirely, such as attenuation and radioactive decay, respectively.