True or False: Electron beams have a finite range in the medium.

Electron beams indeed have a finite range in the medium, making the statement true. This characteristic is due to the interactions between the electrons and the molecules in the medium through which they travel. As electrons move through matter, they lose energy primarily through collision processes, which leads to ionization and excitation of atoms.

The range of the electron beam is determined by its energy; higher energy electrons penetrate further into the tissue, while lower energy electrons have a shorter path. Once the electrons lose all their energy through these interactions, they effectively stop, creating a well-defined distal fall-off. This finite range is a crucial factor in clinical applications, especially in radiation therapy, where targeting specific tumors while minimizing dose to surrounding healthy tissue is essential.

Additionally, because of this property, electron beams are often used for superficial tumors or in situations where precise dose delivery to a particular depth in tissue is required. Understanding the finite range of electron beams is fundamental in medical dosimetry, guiding proper treatment planning and ensuring effective radiation delivery.