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gamma radiation
gamma radiation high-energy photons emitted as one of the three types of radiation resulting from natural radioactivity . It is the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation , with a very short wavelength (high frequency). Wavelengths of the longest gamma radiation are less than 10 -10 m, with frequencies greater than 10 18 hertz (cycles per sec). Gamma rays are essentially very energetic X rays ; the distinction between the two is not based on their intrinsic nature but rather on their origins. X rays are emitted during atomic processes involving energetic electrons. Gamma radiation is emitted by excited nuclei (see nucleus ) or other processes involving subatomic particles; it often accompanies alpha or beta radiation, as a nucleus emitting those particles may be left in an excited (higher-energy) state. The applications of gamma radiation are much the same as those of X rays, both in medicine and in industry. In medicine, gamma ray sources are used for cancer treatment and for diagnostic purposes. Some gamma-emitting radioisotopes are also used as tracers (see radioactive isotope ). In industry, principal applications include inspection of castings and welds. Data from artificial satellites and high-altitude balloons have indicated that a flux of gamma radiation is reaching the earth from outer space, thus opening up the field of research known as gamma-ray astronomy . |
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"gamma radiation." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 7 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "gamma radiation." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 7, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-gammarad.html "gamma radiation." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 07, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-gammarad.html |
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gamma radiation
gamma radiation Form of very short wavelength electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nuclei of some radioactive atoms. High-energy gamma rays have even greater powers of penetration than X-rays. They are used in medicine to treat cancer and in the food industry to kill microorganisms. See also radioactivity
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"gamma radiation." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 7 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "gamma radiation." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 7, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-gammaradiation.html "gamma radiation." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 07, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-gammaradiation.html |
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gamma radiation
gam·ma ra·di·a·tion • n. gamma rays. |
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Cite this article
"gamma radiation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 7 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "gamma radiation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 7, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-gammaradiation.html "gamma radiation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 07, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-gammaradiation.html |
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