Which type of radiation can penetrate through the human body and is commonly used in medical imaging?

Gamma rays are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation that possesses the ability to easily penetrate through soft tissues in the human body. This characteristic makes them highly effective in medical imaging, particularly in procedures such as PET scans and certain types of cancer treatments where imaging of internal structures is required.

The ability of gamma rays to pass through the body is due to their relatively short wavelength and high energy, which allows them to interact less with matter compared to other types of radiation. This penetration capability facilitates the creation of detailed images of internal organs and tissues without the need for invasive procedures.

Similarly, X-rays also have a penetrating ability and are widely utilized for medical imaging, such as in radiographs to visualize bones and other structures. However, gamma rays are often specifically referenced in contexts such as treating certain ailments and imaging techniques that utilize radiopharmaceuticals.

In contrast, alpha particles and beta particles have significantly lower penetrating power. Alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin, while beta particles can penetrate a few millimeters into the body but are not used in medical imaging as extensively as gamma rays and X-rays. Thus, gamma rays and X-rays are the primary types of radiation used in medical imaging due to their suitable