Home > Term: gamma rays
gamma rays
High-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain radionuclides when their nuclei transition from a higher to a lower energy state. These rays have high energy and a short wave-length. All gamma rays emitted from a given isotope have the same energy, a characteristic that enables scientists to identify which gamma emitters are present in a sample. Gamma rays penetrate tissue farther than do beta or alpha particles but leave a lower concentration of ions in their path to potentially cause cell damage. Gamma rays are very similar to x-rays. See also neutron.
- Part of Speech: noun
- Industry/Domain: Medical devices
- Category: Radiology equipment
- Company: U.S. HHS
0
Creator
- MarkL
- 100% positive feedback