Which among the following radioactive exposures would be the most damaging if it occurs inside a human body?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha emission is the most damaging because it consists of heavy and highly charged particles that can cause significant ionization and damage to tissues they pass through. Alpha particles have low penetration power, which means they are stopped quickly and can only cause damage to nearby tissues. In contrast, gamma radiation has high energy and can penetrate through tissue, but it is less damaging because it does not interact strongly with matter. Beta and electron emissions have a lower charge and mass than alpha particles and can penetrate deeper into tissues, but they are less damaging overall. Positron emissions are relatively rare and do not occur naturally in the body, so their effects are not well studied.

Which Among the Following Radioactive Exposures Would Be the Most