What are they?
Gamma rays, also known as gamma radiation, has the shortest wavelength out of the seven in the EM spectrum, meaning it is in the category with the highest frequency and most energy.
Gamma rays are naturally produced by the hottest and most energetic objects in the universe such as neutron stars and pulsurs, supernovae and black holes. Their high frequency allows these rays to travel great distances across the universe, but luckily the earth's atmosphere blocks them from harming life. Gamma rays are also generated by radioactive atoms through nuclear reactors, nuclear fission, nuclear explosions and decay.
Gamma rays have almost identical characteristics to X-rays. The only differences are the higher frequency and different methods of generation (X-rays involve electrons, whilst gamma involves the nucleus). This makes gamma rays biologically hazardous as well where it can kill living cells and change DNA.
Applications
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