gamma ray

Introduction & Top Questions References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

Diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum showing different types of waves arranged by wavelength and frequency, from gamma rays and X-rays to ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, TV/FM radio, shortwave radio, AM radio, and longwave radio.

Learn about the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy to identify the quarry that was the source of granite found in ancient Roman ruins

Figure 2: Plot of intensity of gamma ray flux passing through absorber as function of Doppler velocity applied to source; dip in centre is caused by nuclear resonant absorption.

Diagram showing the decay process of radioactive sodium-24, which undergoes beta decay to form excited magnesium-24, emitting a 1.39-MeV electron, followed by two gamma rays as it transitions to the stable ground state of magnesium-24.

Figure 1: The electromagnetic spectrum.

Diagram showing the sequence of uranium nucleus fission after being struck by a neutron: the nucleus absorbs the neutron, deforms, splits into fragments, releases more neutrons and gamma rays, and emits beta particles as the fragments decay. Labels identify neutrons, protons, beta particles, and gamma rays, with accompanying explanatory text.

Diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum with labeled sections for radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, each paired with an example use and corresponding image.

Can science explain the Fantastic Four's powers?

Understand how the electromagnetic spectrum helps study the celestial bodies

At a Glance

default image

gamma ray summary

gamma ray: Media

physics

Videos

Learn about the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy to identify the quarry that was the source of granite found in ancient Roman ruins

Learn about the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy to identify the quarry that was the source of granite found in ancient Roman ruins

See how gamma-ray spectroscopy is used to identify the quarry that was the source...

Video: © Open University (A Britannica Publishing Partner)

Can science explain the Fantastic Four's powers?

Can science explain the Fantastic Four's powers?

Using science to explain the radiation that, in Marvel Comics' universe of superheroes,...

Video: © American Chemical Society (A Britannica Publishing Partner)

Understand how the electromagnetic spectrum helps study the celestial bodies

Understand how the electromagnetic spectrum helps study the celestial bodies

Astronomers use the electromagnetic spectrum to study different aspects of the Milky...

Video: Created and produced by QA International. © QA International, 2010. All rights reserved. www.qa-international.com

Images

Diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum showing different types of waves arranged by wavelength and frequency, from gamma rays and X-rays to ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwave, TV/FM radio, shortwave radio, AM radio, and longwave radio.

electromagnetic spectrum

The relationship of X-rays to other electromagnetic radiation within the electromagnetic...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

gamma ray

gamma ray

Electrons and positrons produced simultaneously from individual gamma rays curl in...

Courtesy of the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, the University of California, Berkeley

Figure 2: Plot of intensity of gamma ray flux passing through absorber as function of Doppler velocity applied to source; dip in centre is caused by nuclear resonant absorption.

Figure 2: Plot of intensity of gamma ray flux passing through absorber as function...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Diagram showing the decay process of radioactive sodium-24, which undergoes beta decay to form excited magnesium-24, emitting a 1.39-MeV electron, followed by two gamma rays as it transitions to the stable ground state of magnesium-24.

radioactive decay of sodium-24

Decay scheme of a radioactive sodium-24 (²⁴Na) nucleus. With a half-life...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Figure 1: The electromagnetic spectrum.

Figure 1: The electromagnetic spectrum.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Diagram showing the sequence of uranium nucleus fission after being struck by a neutron: the nucleus absorbs the neutron, deforms, splits into fragments, releases more neutrons and gamma rays, and emits beta particles as the fragments decay. Labels identify neutrons, protons, beta particles, and gamma rays, with accompanying explanatory text.

Fission

Sequence of events in the fission of a uranium nucleus by a neutron.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum with labeled sections for radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, each paired with an example use and corresponding image.

Electromagnetic radiation

Radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

VIEW MORE in these related Britannica articles: