Gamma-decay: the nature of radiation, properties, formula

Everyone has probably heard about three types of radioactive radiation - alpha, beta and gamma. All of them arise in the process of radioactive decay of matter, and they have both common properties and differences. The greatest danger is borne by the latter type of radiation. What is it?

Nature of radioactive decay

In order to understand the properties of gamma decay in more detail, it is necessary to consider the nature of ionizing radiation. This definition means that the energy of this type of radiation is very high - when it enters another atom, called the "target atom," it knocks out an electron moving along its orbit. In this case, the target atom becomes a positively charged ion (therefore, radiation was called ionizing). From ultraviolet or infrared, this radiation is characterized by high energy.

In general, alpha, beta, and gamma decays have common properties. You can imagine an atom in the form of a small seed of poppy. Then the orbit of electrons will be a soap bubble around it. In alpha, beta, and gamma decay, a tiny particle emerges from this grain. The charge of the nucleus changes, which means that a new chemical element has been formed. The dust rushes with a giant velocity and cuts into the electron shell of the target atom. Having lost an electron, the target atom becomes a positively charged ion. However, the chemical element remains the same, because the nucleus of the target atom remains the same. Ionization is a process of chemical nature, practically the same process occurs with the interaction of certain metals that dissolve in acids.

Where else does γ-decay occur?

But ionizing radiation occurs not only in radioactive decay. They also occur in nuclear explosions and in nuclear reactors. On the Sun and other stars, as well as in a hydrogen bomb, light nuclei are synthesized, accompanied by ionizing radiation. In the equipment for X-rays and accelerators of charged particles , this process also occurs. The main property that has alpha, beta, gamma decays is the highest ionization energy.

And the differences between these three types of radiation are determined by their nature. Radiation was discovered at the end of the XIX century. Then no one knew what this phenomenon was. Therefore, three types of radiation and were called the letters of the Latin alphabet. Gamma radiation was discovered in 1910 by a scientist named Henry Gregg. Gamma decay is of the same nature as sunlight, infrared rays, radio waves. By their properties, gamma rays are photon radiation, but the energy of the photons contained in them is very high. In other words, it is radiation with a very short wavelength.

Properties of gamma rays

This radiation is extremely easy to penetrate through any obstacles. The more dense material is in its path, the better it detains it. Most often, lead or concrete structures are used for this purpose. In the air, γ-rays easily overcome tens and even thousands of meters.

Gamma decay is very dangerous for humans. It can damage the skin and internal organs. Beta-radiation can be compared with shooting small bullets, and gamma - with shooting needles. During a nuclear flare, in addition to gamma radiation, neutron flux formation also occurs. Gamma rays hit the Earth along with cosmic radiation. In addition to them, it carries protons and other particles to Earth.

The action of gamma rays on living organisms

If we compare alpha, beta, and gamma decays, the latter will be the most dangerous for living organisms. The propagation velocity of this type of radiation is equal to the speed of light. It is because of its high speed, it quickly gets into living cells, causing their destruction. How?

On the way, γ-radiation leaves a large number of ionized atoms, which in turn ionize a new portion of atoms. Cells that have undergone a powerful gamma-ray exposure vary at different levels of their structure. Transformed, they begin to decompose and poison the body. And the most recent stage is the appearance of defective cells, which can no longer function normally.

In humans, different organs have different degrees of sensitivity to gamma radiation. The consequences depend on the received dose of ionizing radiation. As a result, various physical processes can occur in the body, biochemistry can be violated. The most vulnerable are the organs of hematopoiesis, lymphatic and digestive systems, as well as the structure of DNA. This exposure is dangerous for humans and the fact that radiation accumulates in the body. And also it has a latent period of impact.

The gamma-decay formula

To calculate the energy of gamma radiation, we can use the following formula:

E = hv = hc / λ

In this formula, h is the Planck constant, v is the frequency of the quantum of electromagnetic energy, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength.