Radiation Safety Practice Exam

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Study for the Radiation Safety Exam. Test your knowledge with multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and confidently!

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Which of the following particles is not charged?

  1. Alpha particle

  2. Beta particle

  3. Gamma ray

  4. Ion

The correct answer is: Gamma ray

Gamma rays are not charged particles, which is the reason they are the correct answer in this context. Unlike alpha and beta particles, which are composed of charged fundamental particles, gamma rays consist of electromagnetic radiation. Specifically, gamma rays are high-energy photons, which do not carry any electric charge. Alpha particles are positively charged as they consist of two protons and two neutrons. Beta particles can be either negatively charged (electrons) or positively charged (positrons). Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons and thus possess a net electric charge. By understanding that gamma rays are electromagnetic waves rather than matter composed of charged particles, it becomes clear why they are categorized as uncharged.

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