Question detail

What type of radiation is emitted from the nucleus during gamma decay?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Atoms and nuclear radiation

Question

  1. A. Helium nucleus
  2. B. High-speed electron
  3. C. Electromagnetic radiation
  4. D. Neutrons

Answer

Electromagnetic radiation

Explanation

Gamma decay involves the emission of electromagnetic radiation from the nucleus, which does not change the mass or atomic number of the atom.

Common mistake

Gamma Radiation Characteristics

Students often confuse the ionising power of gamma radiation with its penetrating ability, thinking it is strongly ionising.

Remember that gamma radiation is weakly ionising due to its high energy and ability to pass through materials, but it does not cause as much ionisation as alpha or beta radiation.

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