What type of radiation is used in radiographic testing to penetrate materials?

Radiographic testing primarily utilizes X-rays and gamma rays to penetrate materials for imaging purposes. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with the ability to penetrate various substances, making them ideal for inspecting the internal structure of objects. In radiographic testing, X-rays are used to create images that can reveal flaws, such as cracks or voids, within solid materials.

X-rays are commonly used in industrial applications due to their precise imaging capabilities and the relatively small amounts of radiation they emit, allowing for safe usage when following proper guidelines. While gamma rays can also penetrate materials and are sometimes used in radiographic testing, X-rays are the more commonly recognized form of radiation for this application.

The other types of radiation, such as alpha and beta particles, are not suitable for radiographic testing on most materials. Alpha particles, being heavy and positively charged, have limited penetration power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper. Beta particles can penetrate materials better than alpha particles but still have far less penetrating power compared to X-rays and gamma rays. Therefore, X-rays are the preferred choice in radiographic testing for their effective balance of penetration and imaging quality.