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Which type of radiation is most penetrating and requires dense materials for shielding?

Alpha particles

Beta particles

Gamma rays

Gamma rays are the most penetrating type of radiation due to their high energy and nature as electromagnetic waves. Unlike alpha and beta particles, which consist of charged particles and have significantly less penetration ability, gamma rays can pass through dense materials with relative ease.

To effectively shield against gamma radiation, heavy materials such as lead or several centimeters of concrete are often required. This is because gamma rays do not interact with matter in the same way charged particles do; they are much more likely to pass through materials without any significant absorption, which necessitates using denser materials for sufficient attenuation.

In contrast, alpha particles are relatively large and carry a positive charge, which leads to a high likelihood of interaction with matter, making them easily stopped by materials as light as paper or skin. Beta particles are also charged and have moderate penetration ability, but they can be stopped using relatively thin sheets of plastic or glass. X-rays, while also penetrating, typically require less dense shielding compared to gamma rays. Therefore, of all the options provided, gamma rays stand out as the most penetrating radiation type that requires dense materials for effective shielding.

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X-rays

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