gamma ray

gamma ray

noun Physics.
1.
a photon of penetrating electromagnetic radiation (gamma radiation) emitted from an atomic nucleus.
2.
a photon emitted by an electron as a result of internal conversion.
3.
electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than approximately one tenth of a nanometer.

Origin:
1900–05
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Gamma ray is always a great word to know.
So is radiant energy. Does it mean:
energy transmitted in wave motion, especially electromagnetic wave motion
the amount of a given fissionable material necessary to sustain a chain reaction at a constant rate
American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

gamma ray n.
Electromagnetic radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom by radioactive decay and having energies in a range from ten thousand (104) to ten million (107) electron volts.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
gamma ray  
A stream of high-energy electromagnetic radiation given off by an atomic nucleus undergoing radioactive decay. Because the wavelengths of gamma rays are shorter than those of x-rays, gamma rays have greater energy and penetrating power than x-rays. Gamma rays are emitted by pulsars, quasars, and radio galaxies but cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere. See more at radioactive decay.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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