What form of ionizing radiation is capable of penetrating deeply into body tissue?

The form of ionizing radiation capable of penetrating deeply into body tissue is gamma radiation. This type of radiation consists of high-energy photons, which can travel through various materials, including biological tissues. Gamma rays have much higher energy than alpha or beta radiation, allowing them to traverse greater distances and effectively penetrate deeper into matter.

In contrast, alpha radiation is made up of heavy, positively charged particles that can be stopped by just a sheet of paper or the outer layer of human skin, limiting its penetration ability to very superficial layers. Beta radiation, which consists of electrons, does have greater penetration capabilities than alpha particles, but they are still significantly less penetrating than gamma rays. X-rays, while also a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to gamma rays, usually have lower energy and penetration depth compared to gamma rays under most circumstances. Therefore, gamma radiation stands out due to its ability to penetrate deep into body tissue, making it particularly concerning in medical settings related to radiation exposure.