Question detail
What is the primary characteristic of gamma radiation compared to alpha and beta radiation?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
- A. It is strongly ionising
- B. It is weakly ionising but highly penetrating
- C. It is easily absorbed by paper
- D. It consists of helium nuclei
Answer
The correct answer is B: It is weakly ionising but highly penetrating.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: It is weakly ionising but highly penetrating. This supports the learning objective "Represent gamma emission using a nuclear equation or written description." in Nuclear equations because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Atoms and nuclear radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Nuclear equations idea: It is strongly ionising; It is easily absorbed by paper; It consists of helium nuclei.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Gamma Emission
Students often confuse gamma emission with other types of radiation, thinking it changes the mass number or atomic number of the nucleus.
Remember that gamma emission does not change the mass number or atomic number; it is purely electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus.
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