Gamma rays are the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation, with very short wavelengths. They are produced during radioactive decay when the nucleus emits high-energy photons to rid itself of excess energy. Paul Villard discovered gamma radiation in 1900 while studying radiation emitted from radium. Gamma rays cause damage at the cellular level and can induce cancer or genetic damage from low levels of exposure or acute tissue damage at high levels.

1. Gamma Rays
By: Vance Leyva
Per. 1

2. Defined:
Gamma rays are the most
energetic form of
electromagnetic radiation,
with a very short wavelength
of less than one-tenth of a
nanometer. Gamma
radiation is the product of
radioactive atoms that
undergo radioactive decay.

3. History :
The first gamma ray source
to be discovered was the
radioactive decay process
called gamma decay. Paul
Villard a French chemist and
physicist, discovered gamma
radiation in 1900, while
studying radiation emitted
from radium. Villard knew his
described radiation was
more powerful than the
previously described alpha
and beta rays already found.

4. Defined (cont.)
A gamma ray is a form of
electromagnetic radiation, which is the
radiant energy released by certain
electromagnetic processes , and is
expressed in waves.
Gamma rays are a product of gamma decay:
how the nucleus gets rid of excess energy. In
gamma decay the nucleus emits a high-energy
photon (electromagnetic radiation), gamma rays
, but the number of protons and neutrons stays
the same.

5. Characteristics:
A gamma ray has a typical
frequency of 10^19 Hz and
wavelengths of around 10^-
11 meter. Gamma rays are
now usually distinguished by
their origin; x-rays are
emitted by electrons outside
the nucleus while gamma
rays are emitted by the
nucleus

6. Real World Examples

7. Lightning Strikes

8. Terrestrial gamma ray flashes

10. Nuclear explosion
Gamma rays are emitted
during nuclear fission in
nuclear explosions.

11. Biological:
Gamma rays cause damage at a cellular level and are penetrating, causing severe
damage throughout the body.
Low levels of Gama radiation = cancer induction / genetic damage
High levels of Gama radiation = varying severity of are cute tissue damage

12. Works Cited:
www.wikipedia.org/gama_rays
www.NASA.gov/gammarays
www.livescience.com/50215-gamma-rays