Which type of ionizing radiation is characterized by its high penetration ability?

Gamma radiation is characterized by its high penetration ability due to its nature as electromagnetic waves with no mass or charge. This allows gamma rays to travel long distances and penetrate various materials, including human tissue and dense substances like lead or several centimeters of concrete.

Unlike alpha particles, which are relatively heavy and positively charged, and thus can be stopped by just a piece of paper or a few centimeters of air, gamma rays continue to pass through materials. Beta particles, which are electrons or positrons, have a moderate penetration ability—able to pass through paper but generally stopped by a few millimeters of plastic or glass. Neutrons can also penetrate materials well but typically interact differently than gamma rays and often require specific shielding materials, such as water or concrete, for effective attenuation.

Therefore, in terms of penetration ability, gamma radiation stands out as the most capable of traversing various materials, making it the correct answer to the question posed.