ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

To penetrate a thicker or denser material, you would need a source with:

1. Higher mass

2. More energy (shorter wavelength)

3. Lower energy (longer wavelength)

4. Less density

The correct answer is: More energy (shorter wavelength)

To penetrate a thicker or denser material effectively, you would require a source that emits radiation with more energy, which correlates to a shorter wavelength. Higher energy photons possess greater penetrating power, allowing them to traverse materials that thicker or denser ones would typically absorb or attenuate. In the context of radiation, shorter wavelengths, which correspond to higher energy levels, can overcome the increased resistance posed by denser materials, making them more suitable for applications such as industrial radiography. For instance, gamma rays and x-rays, which have shorter wavelengths and higher energies, are commonly utilized for inspecting welds and detecting flaws in heavy structural components. Therefore, using a source with more energy enhances the ability to penetrate materials that would otherwise block or scatter less energetic radiation. This principle is foundational in radiation safety and industrial applications, where assessing the integrity of materials is paramount.