GCSE Physics (AQA)

346 videos | 23 hours

Gamma Rays

Please subscribe to watch this video.

This, and all other videos, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos.

Atomic structure Atoms and nuclear radiation

Gamma Rays

2:15 Types of Radiation
Spec 4.4.2.1
Previous Beta Particles Next Comparing Types of Nuclear Decay
  • Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a nucleus.
  • Nuclei release gamma rays to lose excess energy, often following other types of decay.
  • Gamma rays are high-frequency electromagnetic waves with no mass or charge.
  • Gamma rays are not very ionizing; they need to be absorbed by electrons to cause ionization.
  • When an electron absorbs a gamma ray, it gains energy, allowing it to escape the atom and cause ionization.
  • Other forms of radiation are more ionizing than gamma rays as they don't need to be absorbed to cause ionization.
  • Gamma rays can travel great distances in air and are only stopped when absorbed by air molecules.
  • Gamma rays cause almost no ionization in the air due to the need for absorption.
  • Gamma rays can be stopped by thick lead, with five centimeters of lead being effective.
  • Lead is effective at stopping gamma rays because its atoms are densely packed compared to air molecules.

Please subscribe to access these revision notes.

This, and all other video notes, are included in our premium subscriptions.

Premium accounts get access to all videos and revision notes.