Gamma decay | Physics | Khan Academy

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During gamma decay, an excited nucleus releases energy in the form of a gamma photon. Gamma radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation (light) which has a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than visible light. Gamma rays are ionizing radiation. The number of protons and neutrons in the parent nucleus does not change, so the identity of the daughter nucleus is the same as the parent, but in a lower energy state.

Sections:
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Alpha, beta, and gamma decay
02:52 - Radioactivity does not glow
04:25 - Gamma radiation energy level
06:00 - Gamma decay of nickel-60
07:50 - Gamma radiation penetration power
10:06 - Gamma decay application

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