Gamma Decay
Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus releases excess energy in the form of gamma rays, which are high-energy photons. This process usually occurs after other types of decay, like alpha or beta decay, when the nucleus is left in an excited state. By emitting gamma rays, the nucleus transitions to a lower energy state without changing its number of protons or neutrons. Gamma decay is a crucial process in nuclear reactions and is significant in fields like nuclear medicine and radiation safety, as gamma rays can penetrate materials and require careful shielding.
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Gamma decay is a type of radioactive decay where an unstable atomic nucleus releases energy in the form of gamma rays, which are high-energy electromagnetic radiation, like X-rays but more powerful. This process occurs after other types of decay, such as alpha or beta decay, when a nucleus is left in an excited state and needs to lose excess energy to stabilize itself. Gamma decay does not change the number of protons or neutrons in the nucleus, but it allows the atom to transition to a lower energy state, making it more stable.