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gamma ray
(redirected from Gamma particle)

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gamma ray

Penetrating very short-wavelength electromagnetic radiation, similar to an X-ray but of higher energy, that is emitted spontaneously by some radioactive substances (see gamma decay; radioactivity). Gamma radiation also originates in the decay of certain subatomic particles and in particle-antiparticle annihilation (see also antimatter). Gamma rays can initiate nuclear fission, can be absorbed by ejection of an electron (see photoelectric effect), and can be scattered by free electrons (see Compton effect).

gamma ray [′gam·ə ‚rā]
(nuclear physics)
A high-energy photon, especially as emitted by a nucleus in a transition between two energy levels.
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Crashing down all around us is wide-band radiation from the sun, cosmic gamma particles from distant exploding stars, background radiation from nuclear tests and accidents and the combined output of many high-powered terrestrial radio transmitter towers.
A WORD IN YOUR EAR; 'This kind of radiation does have a variety of ... by Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England)
The IR camera provides night vision capability, while the EPD has a 100 percent detection rate of alpha, beta and gamma particles using several diode detectors, according to TARDEC spokesman Paul D.
Robot searches under cars for bombs by Rietze, Susan / National Defense
 
 
 
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