GAMMA RAYS

What is gamma rays?

-type of electromagnetic radiation that results from
a redistribution of electric charge within a nucleus.
-Gamma rays are ionizing radiation and are thus
hazardous to life.
-this are energy that has no mass or charge
Gamma rays can emitted from the nucleus of an atom
during radioactive decay. They are able to travel tens
of yards or more in air and can earily penetrate the
human body. Shielding this very penetrating type
ionizing radiation requires thick, dense materials such
as sever at inches of lead concrete.
 Wavelength and
Frequency
-gamma rays have a wavelength range belowof Gamma
100pm and
frequencies greater than 10Hz
-gamma rays are high frequency (or shortest wavelength)
electromagnetic radiation and carry a lot of energy. They pass
throughmost types of materials.
 WHAT DOES IT PENETRATE?
-Gamma rays are a radiation hazard for the entire body. They
can easily penetrate barriers that can stop alpha and beta
particles , such as skin and clothing.
-They have so much penetrating power that several inches of a
dense material like lead, or even a few feet of concrete may be
required to stop them
-Due to their high penetration power , they
can damage bone marrow and internal organs
-Gamma rays are more penetrating, in
matter, and can damage living cells to a great
extent
Uses of gamma rays:
-Gamma rays are used in medicine
(radiotherapy), industry (sterilization and
disinfection) and the nuclear industry.