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Primary cosmic rays generally appear to be fully ionized nuclei of very massive atoms.

Secondary cosmic rays are showers of various subatomic particles (e.g. muons) produced in collisions of primary cosmic rays with atomic nuclei of various gasses in earth's upper atmosphere.

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8y ago
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9y ago

Cosmic rays, whose origin lies mostly outside the solar system, are actually particles, not electromagnetic radiation as the name might suggest. They are primarily composed of high energy protons, alpha particles, and other atomic nuclei accelerated to relativistic speeds.

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Cosmic rays are about 99% protons (hydrogen nuclei) and alpha particles (helium nuclei), with the remainder made up of heavier nuclei such as those of lithium, beryllium, boron. A very small amount of antimatter has also been detected, such as antiprotons and positrons. Some more exotic particles are generated when the above strike the atmosphere and create secondary cosmic rays - such as pions, muons, and also neutrons and positrons.

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Q: What are main components of primary cosmic rays?
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What are cosmic primarily composed of?

Primary cosmic rays generally appear to be fully ionized nuclei of very massive atoms. Secondary cosmic rays are showers of various subatomic particles (e.g. muons) produced in collisions of primary cosmic rays with atomic nuclei of various gasses in earth's upper atmosphere.


What are secondary cosmic rays?

Secondary cosmic rays are the product of collisions with primary cosmic rays. Primary ones are the kind that arrive from space and hit earth - typically air molecules in the upper atmosphere, which creates (and transfers its energy to) other particles, often creating a shower ('air shower') of secondary particles, also of high energy. Even though these products are results of collisions from within the Earth's atmosphere, they are still referred to as cosmic rays, although given the name "Secondary" cosmic rays. Note that secondary cosmic rays' composition or relative composition can differ from the cosmic rays arriving from space; particularly as new particles like muons and pions can be generated.


Why are cosmic rays harmful to living organisms?

Because the cosmic rays consist of charged particles like gamma rays and x-rays


What is the contents of cosmic ray?

Cosmic rays are energetic charged subatomic particles, originating from outer space. They may produce secondary particles that penetrate the Earth's atmosphere and surface. The term ray is historical as cosmic rays were thought to be electromagnetic radiation. Most primary cosmic rays (those that enter the atmosphere from deep space) are composed of familiar stable subatomic particles that normally occur on Earth, such as protons, atomic nuclei, or electrons.Old Answer(it was a mis concept) Cosmic rays are electromagnetic rays and are thus made of mutually propogating electric and magnetic fields


What type of wave vibrates the faster cosmic rays or gamma rays?

There's a considerable (overlapping) range of frequencies for both gamma rays and cosmic rays, but the upper reach for gamma rays is considered to be higher than that for cosmic rays, all the way to 10^30Hz.


What are deadly cosmic rays?

They are rays from the sun. They are way more harmful than UV rays. They go in zigzag line. Anything struck by the deadly cosmic rays might get killed. The magnetic field is a force that protects the planet from deadly cosmic rays.


Name the person who discovered the cosmic rays?

Cosmic rays were discovered by Victor Hess in 1912.


Where can you find cosmic rays?

Through Milky way galaxy , most cosmic rays come from the Galaxy's disk.


Are cosmic rays part of the electromagnetic spectrum?

no they are not. NASA suggests that the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation does not include cosmic rays.


Are gamma rays stronger than cosmic ray?

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, and they are the highest frequency form of that type of energy. They can be said to vibrate fastest. But cosmic rays are mostly protons, which are a form of particulate radiation. Comparing gamma rays to cosmic rays as regards frequency is not something we do.


Which waves has the highest frequency?

the answer is gamma rays


What are the sources of cosmic rays?

Any energetic event can produce cosmic rays, ranging from supernovae events to quasar jets.