2006-12-06 13:18:29 · 5 answers · asked by hunny06 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Gamma rays are used in medicine to kill and treat certain types of cancers and tumors. Gamma rays passing through tissue of the body produce ionization in tissue. Gamma rays can harm the cells in our body. The rays can also detect brain and cardiovascular abnormalities.
2006-12-06 13:19:30 · answer #1 · answered by googleh20 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The powerful nature of gamma rays have made them useful in the sterilization of medical equipment by killing bacteria. They are also used to kill bacteria and insects in foodstuffs, particularly meat, marshmallows, pie, eggs, and vegetables, to maintain freshness.
Due to their tissue penetrating property, gamma rays / X-rays have a wide variety of medical uses such as in CT Scans and radiation therapy (see X-ray). However, as a form of ionizing radiation they have the ability to effect molecular changes, giving them the potential to cause cancer when DNA is affected.
Despite their cancer-causing properties, gamma rays are also used to treat some types of cancer. In the procedure called gamma-knife surgery, multiple concentrated beams of gamma rays are directed on the growth in order to kill the cancerous cells. The beams are aimed from different angles to focus the radiation on the growth while minimising damage to the surrounding tissues.
Gamma rays are also used for diagnostic purposes in nuclear medicine. Several gamma-emitting radioisotopes are used, one of which is technetium-99m. When administered to a patient, a gamma camera can be used to form an image of the radioisotope's distribution by detecting the gamma radiation emitted. Such a technique can be employed to diagnose a wide range of conditions (e.g. spread of cancer to the bones).
Gamma ray detectors are also starting to be used in Pakistan as part of the Container Security Initiative (CSI). These US$5 million machines are advertised to scan 30 containers per hour. The objective of this technique is to pre-screen merchant ship containers before they enter U.S. port
2006-12-06 21:22:35 · answer #2 · answered by mc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alpha, beta, and gamma rays. Ahh, chemistry the good old days. Approx. 1 quarter ago Chem 158. I heard that they are the strongest rays and are basically like UV rays, bad for u.
2006-12-06 21:20:05 · answer #3 · answered by zacharydai 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
to make the incredible hulk.
2006-12-06 21:25:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
to kill cancer, bacteria and other things
2006-12-06 21:20:56 · answer #5 · answered by Night visions 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋