"(atom) -> (same atom) + gamma ray" the atom does not change. why?
1-how did it create such energy?
2-will the decay end?
3-how is it dangerous compared to other types of decay?
1-how did it create such energy?
2-will the decay end?
3-how is it dangerous compared to other types of decay?
1 Answer
Gamma rays are just the effect of a nucleus rearranging itself into a lower energy state, much like tins of food stacked in a store collapsing into an untidy heap.
Explanation:
The nucleus didn't create the energy, it was left in a high energy state after some other (normally
The decay normally happens only once per nucleus (though there is a finite probability of emitting two lower energy gamma rays) so without further
Gamma is relatively low risk because it isn't very ionising. The chances are it will just pass straight on through you (this isn't a recommendation to try it!) Certainly it is considered less harmful than alpha or beta particles.