What type of radiation penetrates the deepest?

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with very high energy and short wavelengths, allowing them to penetrate materials more effectively than alpha and beta particles. This high penetration ability is primarily due to their lack of mass and charge; while alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, making them relatively heavy and positively charged, and beta particles are electrons (or positrons) which have a larger mass compared to gamma rays, neither can travel as far through matter as gamma rays can.

UVA radiation, on the other hand, is part of the ultraviolet spectrum but is significantly less penetrating than gamma rays. Gamma rays can pass through human tissue and dense materials such as concrete and lead, which is crucial in various applications including medical imaging and treatments, as well as in understanding radiation safety protocols. The ability of gamma rays to penetrate deeply into materials underscores their importance in both practical applications and safety considerations in environments where radiation exposure occurs.