Which type of radiation has high ionization but low penetration ability?

Alpha radiation is characterized by its high ionization power and low penetration ability. This type of radiation consists of helium nuclei, which are positively charged particles made up of two protons and two neutrons. Due to their larger mass and charge, alpha particles interact with matter more effectively than other types of radiation, leading to significant ionization of atoms along their path.

However, this heavy and positively charged nature also means that alpha particles are not able to penetrate materials very well. They can be stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin. This limited penetration ability contrasts with beta radiation, which is more penetrating, and gamma radiation, which can pass through thicker materials. Neutron radiation also has unique properties, but it does not exhibit high ionization levels like alpha particles.