Stopping power #2 (mupis de Natal)

In passing through matter, fast charged particles ionize the atoms or molecules which they encounter. Thus, the fast particles gradually lose energy in many small steps. By stopping power we mean the average energy loss of the particle per unit path length, measured for example in MeV/cm (see figure to the right). Stopping power is a necessary ingredient for many parts of basic science, for medical and for technological applications (ICRU 2005).