Question

When a penetrating injury exists, and using the penetrating code results in a higher AIS than using subsequent qualifiers, should the higher AIS penetrating code be used?

Answer 1

Alpha particles penetrate more deeply compared to gamma rays. Shielding materials like lead and concrete can protect against both emissions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes to penetrating matter, alpha particles penetrate more deeply compared to gamma rays. This is because alpha particles are charged particles that are relatively large and heavy, while gamma rays are electromagnetic waves with no mass or charge. Due to their larger size and charge, alpha particles interact more strongly with matter and are slowed down less, allowing them to penetrate deeper.

To protect yourself against both alpha particles and gamma rays, you can use various shielding materials. For alpha particles, materials with high atomic numbers such as lead and uranium are effective in absorbing and stopping them. As for gamma rays, denser materials like lead, concrete, and steel can be used to attenuate and reduce the intensity of the radiation.