what is gamma radiation?

Answer 1

Gamma radiation is a very high-frequency, high-energy electromagnetic radiation, similar in nature to X-rays but of shorter wavelength, emitted by the nuclei of radioactive substances during decay or by the interactions of high-energy electrons with matter. Cosmic gamma rays have been identified as coming from pulsars, radio galaxies, and quasars, although they cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere.

Gamma rays are stopped only by direct collision with an atom and are therefore very penetrating. They can, however, be stopped by about 4 cm/1.5 in of lead or by a very thick concrete shield. They are less ionizing in their effect than alpha and beta particles, but are dangerous nevertheless because they can penetrate deeply into body tissues such as bone marrow. They are not deflected by magnetic or electric fields.

Gamma radiation is used to kill bacteria and other micro-organisms, sterilize medical devices, and change the molecular structure of plastics to modify their properties (for example, to improve their resistance to heat and abrasion).

Answer 2

Extract from link below (seems to be a good description).

'Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light or x rays, but with a much higher energy. The gamma ray spectrum is usually defined as light having a frequency between 1E18 and 1E21 Hertz.'


Just out of interest:: Which isn't really part of your question;

A chap above talked about attenuation. Actually, it is A= A0e^ -upx.
A0= Start intentisty (you could use 1 if you want to see a fractional effect).
u= attenuation coefficent at the energy you are studying.
p= density of material
x= path length through material.

Of course, this does not account for the fact you will have Compton scatter liberated, which will be at much lower energies. Compton scatter is a big problem when receiving radio-therapy because although the energy of the source, - Eg . Cs137 662keV, is very high, the Compton around the lower part of the collimator is much lower energy and is fully absorbed in the outer skin layer causing radiation burns.

Answer 3

Its essentially very high energy light. Its the most energetic part of the EM spectrum. Its mad out of the same stuff as light, but it has a much higher frequency (more waves per second).
Out of alph and beta radiation its the only type that is dangerous to you from outside the body. Its so small and fast that it will pass through the layer of dead cells that cover your body and it can mutate genes and DNA and cause all manor of diseases including cancer.
Alpha and beta are completely different and the particels are so much bigger that they will not pass through that dead layer of skin cells. However, if you were in a chernobyl situation you would be hit by a Gamma ray burst. Then if you were to breath in radioactive dust and eat radioactive food you would be in far more trouble.
The aplha and beta particles would be on that dust and food and if it gets inside you then its lethal in far smaller doses the gamma rays. They can also only travel minute distances in air, ie less then a metre.
Dont, worry too much about Gamma rays, they dont pass through the atmosphere from space but they travel on the order of miles from a nuclear explosion.

Answer 4

Gamma radiation is an electromagnetic wave. Visible white light is also an electromagnetic wave.
The wavelength of visible white light is very short, approx. 10^-7 metres, but gamma radiation is much shorter again approx 10^-12 m. The shorter the wavelength the greater the energy.
Other named electromagentic waves that lie between white light and gamma radiation are , UV(ultra-violet) and cosmic.
Electromagnetic waves that have a longer wavelength than white light are IR(Infra-Red), Mircowave and radio waves.

Gamma radiation has the ability to penetrate the metal lead.

Answer 5

Gamma radiation refers to the emission of photons by nuclides through the process of gamma decay. These photos are emitted from "inside" the nucleus and are fairly hard (that is, carry a lot of energy). This type of radiation is harmful for living things as it can penetrate deeper and impart significant energy to cells which could result in cell mutations and cancer.

Do not confuse gamma radiation with x-rays as latter are emitted during electronic transitions in atomic orbits. X-rays carry less energy that gamma radiation.

Hope it helps.

Answer 6

the electromagnetic radiation with the highest frequency. More penetrating than alphas or betas.

Answer 7

to the best of my recollections....its what made the hulk the hulk. be careful with it would be my advice.