What are cosmic rays?
Q: What are cosmic rays?
A: Cosmic rays are high-energy radiation that comes from outside the Solar System.
Q: Why were cosmic rays initially referred to as "rays"?
A: It was a historical accident because it was believed that cosmic rays were mostly electromagnetic radiation.
Q: What is the composition of cosmic rays?
A: Cosmic rays are made up of particles such as protons, alpha particles, electrons, gamma rays, photons, and even heavier particles.
Q: What are protons and alpha particles?
A: Protons and alpha particles are particles that make up the nuclei of helium atoms.
Q: What are beta particles?
A: Beta particles are electrons.
Q: What is the discovery process of cosmic rays being particles instead of radiation?
A: It took time to discover that cosmic rays were particles and not radiation.
Q: Are cosmic rays found only in the Solar System?
A: No, cosmic rays are mostly from outside the Solar System.
