Because neutrons are uncharged, they are more penetrating than alpha radiation or beta radiation. In some cases they are more penetrating than gamma radiation, which is impeded in materials of high atomic number.

I did not know that neutrons could penetrate farther than gamma rays by their virtue of being neutral. Also never heard gamma rays be called y-rays. Wonder what the z-rays will be if we ever name any.

[–] [email protected] 57 points 7 months ago

γ is the Greek letter gamma. Those are γ-rays, not y-rays.

[–] Proxima_Centauri11 35 points 7 months ago

The "y" you're seeing on the table is actually γ, or lower-case gamma!

[–] CptEnder 4 points 7 months ago

Did not know about the neutrons either as well as gamma rays having the same penetration as x-rays. Was always taught gamma radiation is insta toast no matter what kind of protection.

[–] Linuturk 30 points 7 months ago

Jimmy Neutron got game.

[–] TeamDman 12 points 7 months ago

Neutrino male

[–] Viking_Hippie 8 points 7 months ago

Gives a whole new meaning to "doing the neutron dance "!

[–] [email protected] 7 points 7 months ago (1 children)

What about the Neutrinos? They are literally penetrating all humans billions of times right now. The amount that go through your butt right now without consent is staggering.

[–] SanndyTheManndy 1 points 7 months ago

so puny you cannot even detect them

[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago

We all know the tru e alphas are the bottoms ~(-_-)~