# Gamma radiation, alpha particles and beta particles are all types of nuclear radiation. Compare the penetrating power and ionising ability of gamma radiation and alpha particles, and explain how these properties are linked.

> WJEC GCSE Physics (Wales) — 2.4 The atom, the nucleus and radioactivity · Compare · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Gamma radiation has greater penetrating power than alpha particles (e.g. gamma can penetrate several centimetres of lead / alpha is stopped by a few centimetres of air or a sheet of paper)
2. Alpha particles have greater ionising ability than gamma radiation
3. Because alpha particles interact strongly with surrounding matter (causing ionisation), they lose their energy quickly and so do not penetrate far
4. Because gamma radiation interacts weakly with matter (low ionising ability), it does not lose energy quickly and therefore has high penetrating power

## Key terms

- [penetrating power](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/penetrating-power)
- [ionising ability](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ionising-ability)
- [gamma radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gamma-radiation)
- [alpha particles](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alpha-particles)
- [nuclear radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nuclear-radiation)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/gamma-radiation-alpha-particles-and-beta-e5c5cf5a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.