Facebook Instagram Youtube Twitter

What is Characteristics of Gamma Rays / Radiation – Definition

Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation. Key features of gamma rays are summarized in following few points. Characteristics of Gamma Rays. Radiation Dosimetry

Characteristics of Gamma Rays / Radiation

Key features of gamma rays are summarized in following few points:
  • Gamma rays are high-energy photons (about 10 000 times as much energy as the visible photons),
  • The same photons as the photons forming the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum – light.
  • Photons (gamma rays and X-rays) can ionize atoms directly (despite they are electrically neutral) through the Photoelectric effect and the Compton effect, but secondary (indirect) ionization is much more significant.
  • Gamma rays ionize matter primarily via indirect ionization.
  • Although a large number of possible interactions are known, there are three key interaction mechanisms  with matter.
  • Gamma rays travel at the speed of light and they can travel thousands of meters in air before spending their energy.
  • Since the gamma radiation is very penetrating matter, it must be shielded by very dense materials, such as lead or uranium.
  • The distinction between X-rays and gamma rays is not so simple and has changed in recent decades.  According to the currently valid definition, X-rays are emitted by electrons outside the nucleus, while gamma rays are emitted by the nucleus.
  • Gamma rays frequently accompany the emission of alpha and beta radiation.
Comparison of particles in a cloud chamber. Source: wikipedia.org
Comparison of particles in a cloud chamber. Source: wikipedia.org
Attenuation coefficients.
Total photon cross sections.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
 
Image: The relative importance of various processes of gamma radiation interactions with matter.
Gamma rays attuenuation
The relative importance of various processes of gamma radiation interaction with matter.
Basic Principles of Shielding of Gamma Rays
radiation protection pronciples - time, distance, shielding
Principles of Radiation Protection – Time, Distance, Shielding

See also: Shielding of Gamma Rays

See also:

Discovery of Gamma Rays

See also:

Gamma Ray

See also:

Photoelectric Effect

We hope, this article, Characteristics of Gamma Rays / Radiation, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about radiation and dosimeters.