What is a characteristic of gamma radiation?

Gamma radiation is known for its ability to penetrate through various materials, including body tissue, indicating its high energy and short wavelength. This characteristic allows gamma rays to pass through tissues that alpha and beta particles cannot, which is why gamma radiation is often associated with medical applications such as cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging.

While gamma radiation can indeed cause damage to living tissues, it does not produce heat in the same way that other forms of radiation might; hence, it is not particularly associated with causing significant heat. Similarly, it can be harmful to body organs, contradicting the claim that it is completely harmless. Moreover, while it is conceivable for other types of radiation to cause skin burns, gamma radiation's primary characteristic is its deep penetration capability, rather than direct surface effects like burns. Understanding these properties is essential for evaluating the impact of gamma radiation in both medical and safety contexts.