Gamma rays are a type of ionizing radiation and are hence extremely dangerous. Before we can delve further into the details of the topic, we need to understand the basics of radioactivity and what is meant by radioact ive decay. As well as radiotherapy (as mentioned by Quora User) most irradiated food is processed by gamma irradiation, however the usage of electron beam and X-ray is becoming more popular as well. The Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) can measure gamma rays emitted by the nuclei of atoms on planet Mercury's surface that are struck by cosmic rays. For treatment deep within the body, high energy photons are sent to reach the target tumour without affecting the surrounding tissue. Gamma rays are like x-rays , but the waves are smaller in wavelength . Ionizing radiation are high energy radiation, enough to pull away electrons from their atoms, thereby charging the particles (converting them into ions), hence the name. They are used to treat malignant tumours in radiotherapy. NNSA deploys radiation portal monitors and other types of devices to find material that could be used in a nuclear weapon or dirty bomb.

Not all atoms are stable. Hard work by several brilliant scientists had shown us that a number of different processes which were occurring in the Universe would result in gamma-ray emission. Question: How are gamma rays used in astronomy? Gamma rays are ionizing radiation which can kill living cells.

Scientists can use gamma rays to determine the elements on other planets. Gamma ray signatures can be used to detect the difference between radioactive materials that pose a security risk and those that do not. Gamma rays can be detected by radiation monitoring devices. They were discovered in 1900 by Paul Villard , and named in 1903 by Ernest Rutherford . Gamma rays cannot be reflected in mirrors like X-rays, instead they will pass right through the mirror. Gamma rays or gamma radiation is a stream of high-energy electromagnetic radiation given off by an atomic nucleus undergoing radioactive decay. Gamma-ray Astronomy Long before experiments could detect gamma rays emitted by cosmic sources, scientists had known that the Universe should be producing such high energy photons . Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation . Sources used are Cobalt 60 or Cesium 137. Rays of Energy: All energy travels in the form of waves. Gamma rays (γ-rays) are electromagnetic waves with the smallest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.

When struck by cosmic rays, chemical elements in soils and rocks emit uniquely …