Cosmic rays

The transcript discusses the historical context of the term 'ray' in radiation research, explaining that cosmic rays are individual particles, not beams. When these particles hit the atmosphere, they create secondary showers. Most cosmic ray particles are protons and electrons.

What was the original meaning of the term 'ray' in radiation research?

• A directed stream of ionizing radiation

• A magnetic field

• A type of light

• A sound wave

How do cosmic ray particles typically arrive?

• In a continuous beam

• In clusters

• Individually

• As a wave

What happens when a cosmic ray particle hits the Earth's atmosphere?

• It bounces back into space

• It releases a secondary shower of particles

• It becomes a beam

• It disintegrates completely

What are most cosmic ray particles composed of?

• Atoms and molecules

• Photons and quarks

• Protons and electrons

• Neutrons and neutrinos

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cosmic ray particles?

• They form a beam

• They can cause secondary showers

• They arrive individually

• They are mostly protons and electrons