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Gamma radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation. In the Electromagnetic Spectrum, there are frequencies associated with invisible and visible light radiations. There are infrared rays, radio waves, and gamma rays in it. Gamma radiation photons contain the highest form of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum with the shortest wavelength. These types of waves are used for a variety of purposes, including communications. Moreover, gamma rays have many useful properties that apply to various sectors.
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Key Terms: Gamma Radiation, Radiation wavelength, Detection of wavelength, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Gamma rays, Wavelength, Energy, infrared rays, radio waves, photons
Gamma Radiation Definition and Explanation
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Radiation with a high energy level is known as Gamma radiation. Radiation of this type carries a lot of energy and is called electronic magnetic radiation. By decaying radioactive nuclei, it emits highly penetrating radiation.
The term is coined by Ernest Rutherford after he discovers gamma rays with French physicist Henri Becquerel.
Gamma Radiation
Gamma Radiation Production Mechanism
By decaying radioactive nuclei of atoms and decomposing subatomic particles, Gamma rays are created. Radiation from highly energetic objects, like stars, neutrons, regions circa, pulsars, supernovas, and black holes, generates these radiations.
As a result of lightning strikes, nuclear explosions, and radioactive decay, gamma rays are produced on earth. Gamma rays are also produced by nuclear reactions such as fission, fusion, gamma decay, and alpha decay. Gamma radiation has a frequency range of 3*101 Hz to 5*1022 Hz.
Gamma Radiation Measurement Unit: It is estimated in API units. American Petroleum Institute is the official name of API. It measures the natural gamma-rays, which occur in the ground.
Gamma-Ray Detection Techniques for Isolating Gamma Rays
The visible range of gamma rays cannot be observed using mirrors, unlike X-rays. The short wavelength of Gamma rays enables them to pass through any space, and nothing will be able to detect them. Detecting Gamma Rays are accomplished by using channels containing densely packed crystal blocks.
In the process of passing through the crystals, which are compacted atoms, the electrons in the crystals constantly collide with the rays. The reduction of energy in the rays triggers an automatic chain of events, where the sensors pick up the small charges that are created in the crystals due to the loss of energy.
Moreover, this mechanism is called Compton Scattering to detect Gamma Rays.
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| Infrared Radiation | Radio Waves | Displacement Current |
| Unit of wavelength | Electromagnetic Waves | Kinetic Theory |
Wavelength of the Gamma Radiation
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There is a high level of electromagnetic radiation with an energy greater than 100 KeV or Kilo Electron Volt. This radiation has a frequency exceeding 1019 Hz. With less than 10 picometers of wavelength, it is the smallest device of its kind.
Application of Gamma Radiation
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- Cancerous cells are killed by it. In addition, it prevents them from growing.
- Taking care of tumours.
- Preserve food for longer periods.
- Create nuclear reactions.
- Generate information about the structure of the atom's nucleus.
- The radiation tests pipelines for weak points.
- Sterilization and disinfection of medical equipment are performed with it.
- Cracks can be detected using Gamma rays based on changes in thickness. Additionally, it can detect changes in density, weld defects, and non-uniformity in materials.
- In addition to bombs and nuclear reactors, we use them for research purposes.
Healthcare Applications of Gamma Radiation
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- It kills living organisms and hence is used for cancer treatment. To kill cancer cells, professionals pass gamma radiation at high doses. This procedure is called radiotherapy.
- Tumour treatment is accomplished by using high-energy photons. The radiation is also carefully controlled so that the surrounding tissues are not affected.
- Unlike bacteria and viruses, Gamma radiation passes through medical equipment packing.
X-rays and Gamma rays
They both have a high energy level and are high-frequency radiations. The gamma rays use photons emitted by the sun, while the X rays utilize photons emitted by man-made machines.
Advantages of Gamma Radiation
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- Reduced scattering
- Powerful penetrating
- Portable
- Easily obtainable
- Energy-efficient and high-resolution
- Budget-friendly
- Assists in field inspections
- Planetary elements were detected using it by scientists.
- In addition, dark matter components can be searched in the Milky Way.
Things to Remember
- Gamma radiation is used in the medicine industry for radiotherapy.
- It is used for various industrial purposes such as sterilization and disinfection.
- While working with gamma radiation it is very important to take safety measures as it can cause various diseases related to eyes, skin, blood, etc.
- Gamma rays can pass through the human body causing ionization that results in damaging the tissues and DNA.
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Sample Questions
Ques. Is there any adverse effect of Gamma Rays on Earth? (2 marks)
Ans. Gamma rays are high-energy ionized particles. They penetrate living organisms easily because of their high energy. Furthermore, the ionizing rays from the sun when reaching the earth's surface are harmful to all organisms if medical attention is not provided immediately.
Ques. Is gamma-ray capable of passing through water? (2 marks)
Ans. Water is generally a permeable substance. Studies have revealed, however, that water is very good at selectively permeating since it does not allow radiation emanating from neutrons to pass through. As a result, we can conclude that Gamma-rays cannot also pass through water.
Ques. Is it possible to weaponize Gamma-Rays? (2 marks)
Ans. Mass destruction is a well-known feature of nuclear explosives. Despite being prohibited, it is possible to make weapons, such as explosives, with gamma radiation. Nonetheless, it is likely to be a hundred times more dangerous and powerful than any chemical or explosive weapon.
Ques. What are the effects of gamma radiation on the body? (2 marks)
Ans. Gamma rays are so powerful, they may be stopped by several inches of dense materials, such as lead, or even by several feet of concrete. In addition to passing through the human body completely, Gamma rays can create ionizations that can have damaging effects on DNA and tissue as they pass through them.
Ques. Radiation from gamma rays is caused by what? (2 marks)
Ans. This form of radiation is generated by the universe's hottest and most energetic objects, including neutron stars and pulsars, supernova explosions, and regions surrounding black holes. The Earth produces gamma waves from nuclear explosions, lightning, and the less dramatic decay of radioactive material.
Ques. Can you give an example of gamma radiation? (2 marks)
Ans. In nature, there are other processes that can produce high-energy photons besides nuclear decay, but they are still termed gamma radiation. For instance, the bremsstrahlung mechanism produces "gamma rays" from lightning discharges with energies of 10 to 20 MeV.
Ques. What are the benefits of gamma rays? (2 marks)
Ans. The radiation is not only used for treatments (radiation therapy), but also for sterilisation and disinfection in industry and nuclear energy. It is very important to protect yourself from gamma rays because they are known to cause diseases of the skin and blood, eye disorders, and cancers.
Ques. What is the role of gamma rays in the treatment of drinking water? (2 marks)
Ans. By using ionizing radiation, radiation creates water radiolysis and generates hydrated electrons, hydrogen, and hydroxyl free radicals. Due to their chemical reactions, these components decompose pollutants and inactivate microorganisms.
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