What type of radiation has no mass and no charge?

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation and are characterized by their lack of mass and charge. Unlike alpha and beta particles, which are made up of particles with specific masses and charge (alpha particles being helium nuclei, and beta particles being electrons or positrons), gamma rays are photons, which are the basic units of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Due to their nature, gamma rays can penetrate materials much more effectively than particles with mass. This property makes them useful in various applications, including medical imaging and cancer treatments, but also necessitates careful handling due to their high energy and ability to ionize atoms, potentially leading to harmful biological effects.

Understanding that gamma rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, similar to visible light but with much higher energy, is crucial for recognizing their distinction from particles like alpha and beta particles which have both mass and charge.