Why gamma rays are used to kill bacteria to sterilize surgical equipment etc ?
Correct answer: C. Highly penetrating
- A. Chargeless
- B. Massless
- C. Highly penetrating
- D. All of above
Explanation
Gamma rays are used for sterilisation mainly because their high penetrating power allows them to pass through sealed packages and reach microorganisms throughout the equipment. Being massless and chargeless helps them penetrate, but those properties alone do not explain the sterilising application as directly as high penetration does.
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About Biological and Medical Uses of Radiation
Radiation in medicine includes X-rays and gamma rays for imaging, radioactive tracers for diagnosis, and controlled radiation for destroying cancerous tissue. The topic also covers CT scans, PET imaging, radiotherapy, sterilisation, half-life and dosage, alongside biological damage, shielding and the need to balance diagnostic or therapeutic benefit against exposure.
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