High energy Electron Beam, X-rays, Gamma Rays

Q.  Which of the following is/are true?

1) X-rays have comparable penetration power to gamma radiation at suitable energy range.
2) High energy Electron Beam (EB) has more penetration power than gamma radiation.
- Published on 05 May 16

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: Only 1
 
  • Controlled gamma energy which is released by radioisotope such as Cobalt-60 is used for sterilisation.
  • High energy Electron Beam (EB) and X-ray machines are also used nowadays for this purpose. The major difference in gamma radiation and EB lies in their penetration powers, where gamma radiations can penetrate deep inside the products the electron beams do not have as good penetration power.
  • Though X-ray have comparable penetration power to gamma radiation at suitable energy range but they are not yet very popular.
  • Gamma radiation is characterised by deep penetration and kills microorganism by destroying DNA structure. The process is suitable for Industrial scale sterilisation.

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