Question

Why can gamma rays travel through the air for a long distance?

• A. They have very high kinetic energy.
• B. They have a smaller rate of collision with the atoms (or molecules) of the medium.
• C. They possess more mass than an alpha particle.
• D. They have less ionizing power but more penetrating power.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

The correct options are
A

They have very high kinetic energy.

B

They have a smaller rate of collision with the atoms (or molecules) of the medium.

D

They have less ionizing power but more penetrating power.

Because $\gamma -rays$ are the highest energetic rays, so they have a smaller rate of collision with the atoms (or molecules) of the medium through which they pass. Thus, they have less ionizing power but more penetrating power.