Gamma rays and X-rays are both high-energy electromagnetic radiation, but they differ mainly in energy levels and how they’re produced.
1. Energy:
- Gamma rays usually have higher energy than X-rays.
- Energy range: above ~100 keV, often in the MeV range or higher.
- X-rays have lower energy compared to gamma rays.
- Energy range: ~100 eV to 100 keV.
2. Origin:
- Gamma rays come from nuclear transitions or subatomic particle processes.
- Produced when the nucleus of an atom changes energy state (e.g., gamma decay) or during high-energy particle interactions.
- X-rays come from electron interactions outside the nucleus.
- Produced when high-speed electrons are decelerated (Bremsstrahlung) or when inner-shell electrons are ejected and replaced (characteristic X-rays).