Which of the following best describes beta radiation?

Beta radiation is best described as being capable of penetrating the skin, but it does not have the ability to penetrate deep tissue effectively. Beta particles, which are electrons or positrons emitted during radioactive decay, can travel several centimeters in air and can penetrate the outer layers of human skin. However, they are typically stopped by the denser materials found deeper in biological tissues, such as muscle or organs.

This distinctive characteristic of beta radiation makes it essential for individuals working in environments where they may be exposed to radioactive materials to understand the nature of beta particles. While options suggesting that beta radiation causes whole-body damage or is a form of a thermal hazard may highlight the potential risks associated with different types of damage from radiation exposure, they do not accurately capture the penetration characteristics of beta radiation itself. Additionally, gamma radiation is known to penetrate deeper than beta particles, and alpha radiation is unable to penetrate the skin, further clarifying the unique properties of beta radiation.