Which of the following particles has the greatest penetrating power?
AAlpha particle
BBeta particle
CGamma rayCORRECT
DNeutron
GCEPhysicsAtomic and Nuclear Physics2019
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Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge, giving them the greatest penetrating power among common nuclear radiations. They can penetrate several centimetres of lead or metres of concrete. Alpha particles have the least penetrating power, being stopped by a sheet of paper.
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