Which statement best describes gamma radiation?

Which statement best describes gamma radiation?

• A. Gamma rays are waves of electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus.
• B. Gamma rays are charged particles that orbit the nucleus.
• C. Gamma rays are a form of sound produced by unstable atoms.
• D. Gamma rays are a type of neutron emission.

Answer: (A)

Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus. It consists of gamma photons, which have no mass and no electric charge, and they travel at the speed of light. They come from transitions of the nucleus from an excited state to a lower energy state, not from particles with charge or from mechanical waves. This sets gamma rays apart from charged particles like alpha or beta radiation, from sounds which require a medium to propagate, and from neutron emission which involves releasing neutrons. Because gamma rays are high-energy photons, they are highly penetrating and require dense shielding, such as lead or thick concrete, to reduce exposure.

Gamma radiation is electromagnetic radiation released by the nucleus. It consists of gamma photons, which have no mass and no electric charge, and they travel at the speed of light. They come from transitions of the nucleus from an excited state to a lower energy state, not from particles with charge or from mechanical waves. This sets gamma rays apart from charged particles like alpha or beta radiation, from sounds which require a medium to propagate, and from neutron emission which involves releasing neutrons. Because gamma rays are high-energy photons, they are highly penetrating and require dense shielding, such as lead or thick concrete, to reduce exposure.