Gamma Rays: Characteristics and Properties

Study Notes

Gamma rays have the highest energy among all types of electromagnetic waves.
They are produced by accelerating charges, consisting of alternating electric and magnetic fields propagating perpendicular to each other.

Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength among the electromagnetic spectrum, with a wavelength no shorter than 0.01 nanometer or 10 picometers.
They have the highest frequencies among the electromagnetic spectrum, commonly greater than 10^19 Hz.
Their energies are also the highest among the electromagnetic spectrum, reaching up to or greater than 100 keV.
Gamma rays have high penetrating abilities, allowing them to pass through different materials and even damage human tissues.

Gamma rays can be found on Earth, produced from radiation decay of naturally-occurring radioactive materials, such as uranium, thorium, and actinium.
Radioactive fallout from nuclear explosions and lightning are also sources of gamma rays on Earth.
Gamma rays from radioactive fallout can contaminate sources of food and water, posing health risks such as cancer development.

Gamma rays are commonly found in the hottest regions in the universe, including supernovas, black holes, and neutron stars.
Black holes offer the perfect environment for particle acceleration, producing gamma rays.
Supernova remnants, such as the Crab Nebula, are also detected to be sources of high-energy gamma rays.
Gamma-ray bursts are the strongest source of gamma rays known today, releasing more energy in 10 seconds than the energy released by the Sun in its 10 billion-year lifetime.

Gamma rays are used in radiation therapy or radiotherapy to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
They are used in gamma sterilization or gamma irradiation to kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms found in food, extending shelf life.
Gamma rays are used in quality control to determine the presence of defects or cracks in materials.