Gamma radiation is a type of high-energy electromagnetic radiation released from the nucleus of an atom. It usually happens after alpha or beta decay, when the nucleus is still in an excited (high-energy) state and needs to release extra energy to become fully stable.
Key Features of Gamma Radiation:
- No mass, no charge → Unlike alpha (helium nuclei) or beta (electrons/positrons) particles, gamma rays are pure energy.
- Very high energy → Much more energetic than visible light or X-rays.
- Penetrating power → Can pass through the human body, concrete, and even thick metal to some extent. Requires heavy shielding (like lead or several meters of concrete).
- Does not change the element → Since gamma emission only removes energy, the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus stays the same. The atom remains the same element, just in a lower-energy state.
Where It Appears:
- After alpha or beta decay, when the nucleus still has excess energy.
- In nuclear reactions, such as fission (splitting of heavy nuclei).
- In cosmic processes like supernovae or interactions in space.
Uses of Gamma Radiation:
- Medical treatments (cancer radiotherapy).
- Sterilizing equipment and food by killing bacteria.
- Industrial inspection (checking welds and metal structures).
- Astrophysics (gamma-ray telescopes study extreme cosmic events).