Which type of radiation has the highest penetration power?

JAMB Chemistry 2023 60 views

Which type of radiation has the highest penetration power?

  1. Alpha radiation
  2. Beta radiation
  3. Gamma radiation ✓
  4. X-rays

Explanation

Gamma radiation consists of high-energy electromagnetic waves that can pass through most materials easily. Thick lead or concrete walls are needed to block gamma rays.

Alpha particles are stopped by paper, and beta particles are stopped by aluminum foil. Gamma rays require much denser materials to stop them.

The penetrating power relates to the radiation type: alpha particles are heavy and slow, beta particles are lighter and faster, and gamma rays are pure energy with no mass.

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