gammastrålingen

Gammastrålingen is a form of electromagnetic radiation that originates from the nucleus of an atom. It is characterized by its very high energy and short wavelength, making it highly penetrating. Gammastrålingen is produced during radioactive decay when an unstable atomic nucleus transitions to a more stable state, releasing excess energy in the form of gamma rays. This process is known as gamma emission.

The penetrating power of gammastrålingen means it can pass through significant thicknesses of matter, including human tissues. While this property makes it useful in medical imaging and cancer treatment (radiotherapy), it also poses a health hazard. Exposure to high levels of gammastrålingen can damage living cells and DNA, leading to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.

Sources of gammastrålingen include naturally occurring radioactive isotopes found in the Earth's crust and cosmic rays from outer space. Man-made sources include nuclear reactors, medical procedures involving radioactive isotopes, and certain industrial applications. Detecting and measuring gammastrålingen is crucial for safety monitoring and scientific research. Protective measures, such as lead shielding and distance, are employed to minimize exposure from known sources. The energy of gammastrålingen is typically measured in electronvolts (eV) or kiloelectronvolts (keV).