Question

Define Gamma rays.

Answer 1

Gamma rays:

1. Gamma rays or gamma radiations are a type of penetrating electromagnetic radiation.
2. Its frequency is greater than ${10}^{19}Hz$.
3. Gamma rays generally arise when the nucleus of an atom undergoes radioactive decay.
4. Gamma rays feature the shortest wavelengths among all forms of electromagnetic radiation and also feature the transfer of the highest photon energy.
5. The energy range of gamma radiation can range from a few kilo electron volts (denoted by keV) to the order of multiple mega electron volts (denoted by MeV).
6. It is important to note that gamma radiation is a type of ionizing radiation which is capable of knocking electrons out of atoms, thereby rendering them highly unstable.
7. The ionizing power of gamma rays is less than that of alpha rays and beta rays.