Gamma rays are electromagnetic radiations that arise from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. That has a very short wavelength even smaller than X-rays. They are very high-energy radiations with a very high frequency. The energy can range from a few kiloelectron volts to a few teravolts. Gamma rays are hazardous to human lives. Due to their small wavelength, they can pass through detectors and mirrors. In this article, we discuss 15 uses of gamma rays.
Properties of Gamma Rays
- Gamma rays are ionizing electromagnetic radiation that is obtained by the decay of the atomic nucleus. They are more penetrating.
- They are high-frequency and carry a lot of energy
- They pass through most types of material.
- They have a wavelength range below 100pm and a frequency greater than 10Hz.
- It is one of the most energetic forms of light produced in the hottest areas of the universe.
- They cannot be reflected in mirrors such as X-rays.
- They pass right through the mirror.
- There are many ways of producing gamma rays through nuclear reactions.
Uses of gamma rays:
- To sterilize the medical types of equipment.
- To sterilize the food and preserve the foodstuff for a long time as it kills the microorganism.
- It is used as a tracer in medicine.
- It is used in radiotherapy (in oncology for killing cancerous cells)
- It is used in astronomy.
- It is also used to initiate nuclear reactions.
- To provide valuable information about the structure of the atomic nucleus.
- They are used to check the oil pipelines to detect weak points.
- It is used as a sterilization and disinfection process.
- They are also used in nuclear reactors and bombs.
- The high penetrating power.
- It is easily accessible and has less scattered.
- Affordable and helpful.
- It is also used to determine the elements. Other planets.
- It is suitable for inspection.
Research on the uses of gamma rays
In this research article, the authors have tried to use a combination of gamma knife radiosurgery and hyperthermia for pediatric Neuro-Oncology.
This research by H. Li et al assessed the clinical outcome, toxicity, and cost following body gamma knife surgery for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer.
What is the use of gamma rays in astronomy?
The astronomy involving the astronomic observation of gamma rays in space is called gamma-ray astronomy. They involve the study of electromagnetic rays in energy above 100 KeV. Gamma rays are produced in space by some extraordinary events like stars exploding, celestial objects colliding (like an asteroid and a planet), or matter falling into black holes. Such events generally involve a lot of energy. By studying the gamma rays in such events scientist is able to identify and understand such events in a more detailed way. So indirectly gamma rays are used in studying our universe.
Why are gamma rays used for sterilization purposes?
Surfaces can be sterilized by irradiation of gamma rays. The gamma rays eliminate bacteria by breaking down DNA, affecting the cell cycle, etc. Typically cobalt60 source is used as a source for gamma rays.
Warning:
Though gamma rays are used for treatment, they are very dose-dependent. Gamma rays in general are very harmful to life.
