What does the term "range" refer to in the context of charged particles?

In the context of charged particles, the term "range" specifically refers to the total distance a charged particle, such as an alpha or beta particle, can travel through a medium before it loses its energy and comes to a stop. This concept is crucial in understanding how charged particles interact with matter. As they move through a material, they ionize atoms along their path, losing energy until they can no longer continue their motion. The range varies significantly based on the type of particle and the medium in which it is traveling.

The other options represent different concepts in radiation physics. The depth of penetration of gamma radiation pertains to the ability of gamma rays to pass through matter, which is unrelated to the concept of range for charged particles. The amount of radiation exposure measured in air refers to the ionization produced by radiation in air, not the distance traveled by a particle. Lastly, the total energy imparted to matter by ionizing radiation encapsulates the energy deposited rather than the range of particles. Each of these definitions serves a unique purpose in the study of radiation, but only the distance traveled until the charged particle ceases to cause further ionization correctly aligns with the definition of range.