What are gamma rays composed of?

Gamma rays have the smallest wavelengths and the most energy of any wave in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are produced by the hottest and most energetic objects in the universe, such as neutron stars and pulsars, supernova explosions, and regions around black holes. read more

Gamma-rays can be used to treat cancer, and gamma-ray bursts are studied by astronomers. Electromagnetic (EM) radiation is transmitted in waves or particles at different wavelengths and frequencies. This broad range of wavelengths is known as the electromagnetic spectrum. read more

Gamma rays differ from alpha and beta waves in their composition. Alpha and beta rays are composed of discrete subatomic particles. This is part of the reason why these rays are more easily deflected by less dense matter. Gamma rays are on a whole different level. They are pure energy and radiation so only the most dense kind of matter can deflect it. read more

Gamma rays are short wavelength electromagnetic radiation, in other words they are light that are invisible to human eyes. The wavelengths of visible light ranges from 400 nanometers to 700 nanometers. Light outside of this range is usually undetected by the human eye. The more energy a gamma ray has, the shorter its wavelength will be. read more

The first gamma ray source to be discovered historically was the radioactive decay process called gamma decay. In this type of decay, an excited nucleus emits a gamma ray almost immediately upon formation.. Paul Villard, a French chemist and physicist, discovered gamma radiation in 1900, while studying radiation emitted from radium. read more