Gamma Rays
- They are electromagnetic waves of wavelengths shorter than those of X-rays
- Electrically neutral, are not deflected by electric and magnetic fields.
- Among the three types of radiation, gamma rays have the strongest penetration power. Gamma rays are stopped by lead of a few centimetres thick
- Ionisation power of gamma rays is about 1/10 000 that of alpha particles
- Their emission does not accompany any change in nuclear structure; the nucleus merely descends to a lower energy state.
- Gamma decay represents the emission of energy from a nucleus which is returning to its ground state.
Excited nucleus → more stable nucleus + γ
How can a atom emit a gamma ray?
Hey bow can an atom emit a gamma ray…they have gamma rays in them?
No, they do not have gamma rays in them. Gamma rays are EM waves – same as the visible light you see. (Except gamma rays are much more energetic) An atom emit gamma rays when they de-excite from an excited state (more energetic state) to a less energetic state. The excess energy when they de-excite is released as gamma rays.