What is most dangerous alpha decay beta decay gamma decay?

Answer 1

It depends on where the radiation is coming from.

Alpha particles are the least penetrating, having the most mass and the most charge. They can be stopped with only a few inches of air or the skin.

Beta particles are middle of the road. They have small mass, and only half the charge of an alpha particle. They can be stopped with a millimeter or so of aluminum, so they have more penetrating power.

Gamma radiation is at the high end. They are photons, with extremely low mass and no charge, so their penetrating power is highest. Often, they require massive shielding to stop them.

So, from outside the body, gamma radiation is the most dangerous.

However, if you ingest the radioactive material into your body, it can lodge in sensitive places, such as the lungs, the thyroid, the bones, nearly anywhere. In that context, alpha particles are the most dangerous, because now they have no barrier to penetration, and they have the most impact on our cells.

Answer 2

Gamma decay is generally considered the most dangerous because it involves high-energy electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate deep into the body and cause damage at a cellular level. Alpha and beta decay are less penetrating and therefore less dangerous, as they are typically stopped by the outer layers of skin or protective clothing.

Answer 3

Gamma.