Gamma decay

Gamma radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted when the atomic nucleus decays from a higher to a lower energy state. One speaks of gamma photons (denoted by the Greek letter γ) to indicate that they are formed inside the atomic nucleus.

History

The name was coined in 1903 by New Zealand physicist Ernest Rutherford (1871 – 1937) baron of Nelson. In 1914, it became apparent to him that it was electromagnetic radiation.

Related concepts

• abundance
• alpha decay
• auger effect
• beta decay
• electron capture
• internal conversion
• mass defect
• nuclear decay
• nuclear fission
• nuclear fusion