ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

Gamma radiation has a shorter wavelength than visible light, therefore making it:

1. Less penetrating

2. More damaging

3. More penetrating

4. Less energetic

The correct answer is: More penetrating

The answer is correct because gamma radiation, being a form of electromagnetic radiation with a shorter wavelength than visible light, is characterized by higher energy and greater penetrating power. Wavelength and energy are inversely related in electromagnetic radiation; that is, as the wavelength decreases, the energy increases. This high energy allows gamma radiation to penetrate materials, including human tissues, more effectively than lower-energy radiation types, such as visible light or even X-rays. In practical terms, this means that gamma rays can pass through solid objects and are difficult to shield against, necessitating the use of dense materials such as lead or concrete in radiation safety protocols. Understanding this property is essential for ensuring the safety and protection of individuals who work in environments where gamma radiation is present, particularly in applications such as industrial radiography.