What Elements Emit Gamma Rays During Radioactive Decay?
Discover which elements produce gamma rays through radioactive decay, including isotopes like Cobalt-60 and Uranium-238.
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Gamma rays are produced by several elements and phenomena. Radioactive isotopes such as Cobalt-60, Uranium-238, and Plutonium-239 emit gamma rays during radioactive decay. Additionally, gamma rays can be generated in high-energy astrophysical processes, such as those occurring in supernovae and neutron star collisions.
FAQs & Answers
- What are gamma rays? Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during radioactive decay or high-energy astrophysical processes.
- Which isotopes are known to emit gamma rays? Notable isotopes that emit gamma rays include Cobalt-60, Uranium-238, and Plutonium-239.
- How are gamma rays produced in astrophysical events? Gamma rays can be generated in events like supernova explosions and neutron star collisions due to extreme energy conditions.
- What is the difference between gamma rays and X-rays? Gamma rays have higher energy than X-rays and are produced from nuclear reactions, while X-rays are typically generated from electronic transitions.