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Gamma decay is one of three main types of radioactive decay. The other two are alpha and beta. In gamma decay, particles known as gamma rays are emitted. Gamma rays are actually high energy photons, the particle analogue of an electromagnetic wave.
First of all, what is a radioactive decay? Well, we can start by saying that radioactive substances are highly unstable. As such, they strive to attain stability and in the process, undergo what is known as radioactive decay. You can think of a radioactive substance as being made up of highly unstable nuclei (made up of protons and neutrons). It is actually these nuclei that undergo radioactive decay.
When each unstable nucleus decays, it loses a great amount of energy. This energy can come in the form of either an alpha particle (a Helium nucleus), a beta particle (an electron or positron), or a gamma particle (also known as a gamma ray). When a gamma particle is the one emitted, then the decay is known as a gamma decay.
While alpha and beta decays occur because there are either too much neutrons compared to protons or too much protons compared to neutrons in the nucleus (this is why the nucleus is unstable), gamma decay simply occurs because the nucleus is in an excited or highly energetic state and hence has to 'relax' a bit.
When this nucleus jumps down to a less energetic state, it releases the unwanted energy in the form of an electromagnetic wave which, as stated earlier, is the gamma ray.
Among all three emitted particles in radioactive decay processes, gamma particles are the most penetrating. While alpha particles can be stopped by a sheet of paper and beta particles, by an aluminum plate, gamma particles can only be stopped by a thick dense material such as lead. Reminds you of Superman, does it?
Because of the high penetrating capabilities of its emitted particles, gamma decay is considered the greatest threat among the three. Radioactive substances in laboratories are kept inside Lead-sealed cabinets. Some even have Lead-sealed lab rooms. This design is made specifically for the purpose of preventing gamma rays from passing through.
Gamma rays that strike human cells can dislodge electrons from atoms comprising the cells because of the rays' ionizing property. This can leave the atom with a positive charge, causing it to interact with other atoms beside it and subsequently damaging the cell.
What else can I help you with?
Why do some researchers complain when the emission of a gamma particle is called gamma decay?
Because its not a decay process. Gamma is an emission of energy in the form of photons from the nucleus when the nucleus changes from one energy level to a lower energy level. It is true that this is often preceded by a decay event, such as alpha or beta, but it is a distinct, non decay, event.
What type of nuclear decay produces energy instead of a particle?
Gamma decay produces energy in the form of gamma rays, which are high-energy electromagnetic radiation, instead of particles. Gamma decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus transitions to a lower energy state by releasing gamma rays.
Does Gamma decay change the atomic number?
No, gamma decay does not change the atomic number of an atom. Gamma decay involves the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays) from the nucleus of an atom, but it does not affect the number of protons in the nucleus, which determines the atomic number.
What nuclear decay have no mass and no charge?
Gamma decay involves the emission of a gamma ray, which is a high-energy photon with no charge and no mass.
Which type of radioactive decay does not change the neutron-to-proton ratio for a nucleus?
Gamma decay does not change the neutron-to-proton ratio for a nucleus. Gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons, without changing the composition of the nucleus.
What can stop gamma decay from occurring?
Gamma decay can be stopped by dense materials such as lead or concrete, which absorb and block the high-energy gamma rays emitted during the decay process.
How can gamma decay without having mass?
It can't, as far as I know. "Gamma decay" doesn't refer to the decay of gamma rays; rather, it refers to a decay of ATOMS, or some other particles, which produces gamma rays in the process.
Which type of radioavtive decay does the mass number remain unchanged?
In gamma decay, the mass number remains unchanged as there is no emission of particles, only high-energy gamma rays are emitted. This process does not affect the nucleus composition, unlike alpha and beta decays which result in a change in the mass number.
Why do some researchers complain when the emission of a gamma particle is called gamma decay?
Because its not a decay process. Gamma is an emission of energy in the form of photons from the nucleus when the nucleus changes from one energy level to a lower energy level. It is true that this is often preceded by a decay event, such as alpha or beta, but it is a distinct, non decay, event.
What type of nuclear decay produces energy instead of a particle?
Gamma decay produces energy in the form of gamma rays, which are high-energy electromagnetic radiation, instead of particles. Gamma decay occurs when an unstable atomic nucleus transitions to a lower energy state by releasing gamma rays.
What stops gamma decay?
Gamma decay stops when the nucleus reaches a stable energy state. This process involves the emission of high-energy photons (gamma rays) from the nucleus to release excess energy and achieve a more stable configuration.
Does Gamma decay change the atomic number?
No, gamma decay does not change the atomic number of an atom. Gamma decay involves the release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays) from the nucleus of an atom, but it does not affect the number of protons in the nucleus, which determines the atomic number.
What nuclear decay have no mass and no charge?
Gamma decay involves the emission of a gamma ray, which is a high-energy photon with no charge and no mass.
Which type of radioactive decay does not change the neutron-to-proton ratio for a nucleus?
Gamma decay does not change the neutron-to-proton ratio for a nucleus. Gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons, without changing the composition of the nucleus.
What are the four types of nuclear decay in order?
The four types of nuclear decay are alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, and neutron decay. Alpha decay involves the emission of an alpha particle, beta decay involves the emission of beta particles (either electrons or positrons), gamma decay involves the emission of gamma rays, and neutron decay involves the emission of a neutron.
What does gamma decay release?
Gamma decay releases high-energy gamma rays, which are a form of electromagnetic radiation. These gamma rays carry a significant amount of energy and are emitted from the atomic nucleus during gamma decay to help the nucleus transition to a more stable state.
What are the products of radioactive decay?
alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma radiation
