Which types of radiation are known to penetrate the skin?

Beta particles and gamma rays are known to penetrate the skin due to their physical properties.

Beta particles, which are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted during radioactive decay, have sufficient energy to penetrate the outer layers of the skin, potentially reaching deeper tissues. This penetration is due to their small mass and the relative lack of charge compared to alpha particles, allowing them to travel through materials more effectively.

Gamma rays, on the other hand, are electromagnetic radiation with no mass or charge, which enables them to penetrate materials much more deeply than both alpha and beta particles. They can pass through the body and are difficult to block, requiring heavy shielding, such as lead, to reduce their intensity effectively.

Understanding the nature of these particles helps explain why specific types of radiation can pose a greater risk to human health, particularly in terms of radiation exposure and potential tissue damage. Other options listed either involve types of radiation that do not penetrate the skin significantly or are not situated within the relevant context of radiation safety in a radiological environment.