Identify the correct statement given below.

Options

A. Alpha rays have the highest penetrating powe
B. Beta rays have the highest penetrating power
C. Gamma rays have the highest penetrating power
D. All three kinds of rays have the same penetrating power

Answer

To solve the question of identifying the correct statement regarding alpha, beta, and gamma particles, we will analyze the properties of each type of radiation and their penetrating power.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Alpha Particles**:
- Alpha particles are composed of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, making them the nucleus of a helium atom.
- Due to their larger mass and charge, alpha particles have low penetrating power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin.

**Hint**: Remember that alpha particles are heavy and positively charged, which affects their ability to penetrate materials.

2. **Understanding Beta Particles**:
- Beta particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted from a decaying atomic nucleus.
- They have a smaller mass compared to alpha particles and can penetrate more than alpha particles but are still less penetrating than gamma rays. They can be stopped by a few millimeters of plastic or glass.

**Hint**: Beta particles are lighter and negatively charged, which allows them to penetrate materials better than alpha particles.

3. **Understanding Gamma Rays**:
- Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation of high frequency and short wavelength.
- They have no mass or charge, which gives them the highest penetrating power among the three types of radiation. Gamma rays can penetrate through several centimeters of lead or meters of concrete.

**Hint**: Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves, and their lack of mass and charge allows them to penetrate materials very effectively.

4. **Comparing Penetrating Powers**:
- The order of penetrating power from highest to lowest is:
- Gamma rays > Beta particles > Alpha particles.
- Therefore, gamma rays have the highest penetrating power, followed by beta particles, and then alpha particles.

5. **Evaluating the Statements**:
- Option A: Alpha rays have the highest penetrating power. (Incorrect)
- Option B: Beta rays have the highest penetrating power. (Incorrect)
- Option C: Gamma rays have the highest penetrating power. (Correct)
- Option D: (Not provided, but we can assume it is also incorrect based on the context).

**Conclusion**: The correct statement is that gamma rays have the highest penetrating power.

### Final Answer:
The correct statement is: **Gamma rays have the highest penetrating power.**