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Reference, Questions and Help => Nuke Q&A => Definitions => Topic started by: Rennhack on Nov 23, 2005, 11:51

Title: Gamma Rays
Post by: Rennhack on Nov 23, 2005, 11:51

Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves or photons emitted from the nucleus (center) of an atom.

Title: Re: Gamma Rays
Post by: Rennhack on Nov 28, 2005, 10:58

High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain radionuclides when their nuclei transition from a higher to a lower energy state.  These rays have high energy and a short wave length.  All gamma rays emitted from a given isotope have the same energy, a characteristic that enables scientists to identify which gamma emitters are present in a sample.  Gamma rays are very similar to x-rays.

http://www.epa.gov/radiation/understand/gamma.htm