Because neutrons are uncharged, they are more penetrating than alpha radiation or beta radiation. In some cases they are more penetrating than gamma radiation, which is impeded in materials of high atomic number.

I did not know that neutrons could penetrate farther than gamma rays by their virtue of being neutral. Also never heard gamma rays be called y-rays. Wonder what the z-rays will be if we ever name any.

[–] cafeinux@infosec.pub 61 points 8 months ago (1 children)

γ is the Greek letter gamma. Those are γ-rays, not y-rays.

[–] Pilgrim@beehaw.org 5 points 8 months ago (2 children)

So why are X-rays the only ones that are just X if the rest are Greek

[–] Malgas@beehaw.org 13 points 8 months ago (1 children)

In an 1895 paper, Röntgen used "X" to label an unknown type of radiation. And the name stuck, despite his later objections. (Some languages do call them Röntgen rays.)

[–] pleb_maximus@feddit.de 4 points 8 months ago (1 children)

German for example does this.

[–] rumschlumpel@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

Ix-Strahlung certainly doesn't roll off the tongue.

[–] blindsight@beehaw.org 4 points 8 months ago

Here's a link with more details on the story

[–] Proxima_Centauri11@lemmy.world 35 points 8 months ago

The "y" you're seeing on the table is actually γ, or lower-case gamma!

[–] CptEnder@lemmy.world 4 points 8 months ago

Did not know about the neutrons either as well as gamma rays having the same penetration as x-rays. Was always taught gamma radiation is insta toast no matter what kind of protection.