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gamma ray |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.04 sec. |
gamma rayPenetrating 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. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| Was GRB 060218 "unique" because it produced a burst of gamma rays or because its axis was pointed our way? As chunks of material collide, they produce gamma rays. The calibration and irradiation of instruments that measure x rays and gamma rays are performed in terms of the physical quantity: air-kerma. |
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