Which statement about neutron radiation is correct?

Which statement about neutron radiation is correct?

• A. It is always easy to detect with handheld meters
• B. It is highly penetrating
• C. It is not hazardous
• D. It is commonly found in consumer products

Answer: (B)

Neutron radiation can pass through many materials with little attenuation because neutrons have no electric charge. That makes them highly penetrating; they don’t interact as readily as charged particles do, so they can travel long distances and require substantial shielding to reduce exposure. Shielding neutrons is also more about slowing and capturing them with hydrogen-rich materials (like water, polyethylene, or concrete) rather than simply blocking them with thick metal. Because of this penetrating nature, detecting neutrons typically needs specialized detectors rather than standard handheld meters that read gamma or beta radiation. Neutrons are hazardous to people, and exposure can cause tissue damage and activation of materials in the environment. They’re not commonly found in everyday consumer products. So the statement that neutron radiation is highly penetrating best describes its key characteristic.

Neutron radiation can pass through many materials with little attenuation because neutrons have no electric charge. That makes them highly penetrating; they don’t interact as readily as charged particles do, so they can travel long distances and require substantial shielding to reduce exposure. Shielding neutrons is also more about slowing and capturing them with hydrogen-rich materials (like water, polyethylene, or concrete) rather than simply blocking them with thick metal. Because of this penetrating nature, detecting neutrons typically needs specialized detectors rather than standard handheld meters that read gamma or beta radiation. Neutrons are hazardous to people, and exposure can cause tissue damage and activation of materials in the environment. They’re not commonly found in everyday consumer products. So the statement that neutron radiation is highly penetrating best describes its key characteristic.