Penetrating Power of the Three Radiations
Part of Radioactive Decay — GCSE Physics
This diagram covers Penetrating Power of the Three Radiations within Radioactive Decay for GCSE Physics. Revise Radioactive Decay in Atomic Structure for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 14 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.
Topic position
Section 3 of 14
Practice
13 questions
Recall
6 flashcards
📊 Penetrating Power of the Three Radiations
Figure 1: Alpha stopped by paper or a few centimetres of air; beta stopped by aluminium; gamma reduced by thick lead or concrete.
KEY RELATIONSHIP: High ionising power = Low penetrating power. Alpha particles lose energy quickly by ionising many atoms, so they don't travel far. Gamma rays ionise fewer atoms, so they penetrate further.