Penetrating Ability

• EM waves with greater energy have a greater ability to penetrate through objects

  • Frequency and the characteristics of the object are also factors to consider
• Gamma rays have the highest energy and therefore the greatest penetrating ability
• Gamma rays can pass through several meters of concrete and a thin sheet of lead
• X-rays can penetrate soft tissue like skin and muscles but are absorbed by denser matter such as bones
• UV rays can penetrate the skin
• Overexposure to Gamma rays, X-rays and/or UV rays can cause damage to the body

  • E.g. sunburn, cancer