Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Gamma rays are high-frequency electromagnetic waves with the shortest wavelength and highest energy in the electromagnetic spectrum. They can cause mutations in DNA and are used for sterilizing medical equipment.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Gamma rays can penetrate most materials, making them effective for sterilizing microorganisms in medical instruments and food products.
Exposure to gamma rays can induce mutations by causing breaks in DNA strands, which affects microbial genetics.
Gamma irradiation is a common method for decontaminating laboratory environments to ensure sterile conditions.
Due to their high energy, gamma rays require lead or other dense materials for shielding during use.
Gamma rays are produced by radioactive decay of atomic nuclei and certain types of nuclear reactions.
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Related terms
Ultraviolet (UV) Light: A type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays, often used for surface sterilization.
Radiation that carries enough energy to liberate electrons from atoms or molecules, thereby ionizing them.
Radioactive Decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.