A nuclear power station uses uranium-235 as fuel. During operation, the uranium-235 undergoes fission and produces several different radioactive waste products. Some of these waste products emit beta radiation and some emit gamma radiation. Describe the nature of beta radiation and gamma radiation, and explain why workers handling the waste products need greater shielding from gamma radiation than from beta radiation.

Beta radiation consists of fast‑moving electrons emitted from the nucleus. Gamma radiation is high‑frequency, short‑wavelength electromagnetic radiation, essentially a wave.

Gamma radiation has much greater penetrating power than beta radiation. Beta particles are stopped by only a few millimetres of aluminium or a thin metal sheet, whereas gamma rays require several centimetres of lead or thick concrete for effective shielding.

Because gamma rays are weakly ionising yet highly penetrating, they can pass through the body and damage tissue or cells deeper inside. This makes thick shielding essential for workers handling radioactive waste that emits gamma radiation.