Gamma rays are extremely high-frequency, high-energy photons in the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by radioactive substances or during nuclear reactions.
If we stick with our piano analogy, gamma rays would be those super-high notes at far right end that only dogs can hear! They're incredibly powerful - so much so that they're used to kill cancer cells in radiation therapy.
Radiation Therapy: A treatment method where gamma rays are used to destroy cancerous cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
Nuclear Fission: A process where an atomic nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei releasing energy and often emitting gamma rays.
Radioactive Decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays.
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