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Gamma rays have
Explanation
Gamma rays (γ) are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation consisting of photons [t2][t4]. Unlike alpha particles (which consist of two protons and two neutrons) and beta particles (which are high-energy electrons or positrons), gamma rays are weightless packets of energy [t1][t8]. They are characterized by having zero rest mass and no electric charge [t2][t5]. Because they lack mass and charge, they are highly penetrating and can pass through the human body, requiring dense materials like lead or thick concrete to be stopped [c1][t1][t7]. While alpha particles carry a positive charge and beta particles carry a negative charge, gamma rays remain neutral [t7][t8]. This lack of charge and mass distinguishes them as pure energy within the electromagnetic spectrum, similar to visible light but with much higher frequency and energy levels [t1][t2].
Sources
- [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.9.3. Tlpes of radiation particles > p. 82
- [2] https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-basics
- [3] https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsphotons
- [4] https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/what-is-radiation/ionising-radiation/gamma-radiation
- [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/gamma-photon