The gamma particle does not create a new element like the other radioactive particles, but instead causes the excitation of electrons within an element.
Understanding Gamma Emission
A gamma particle has no atomic mass and no atomic number and is represented by the sign gamma.
Concept #1: Understanding Gamma Radiation
Gamma radiation is involved in the electromagnetic spectrum. Gamma rays possess the highest energy, while radio waves have lowest energy in terms of the spectrum.
Concept #2: The Gamma Particle
Gamma Particles have lowest ionizing power, but are the most dangerous because of their highest penetrating power.
Example #1: Which of the following represents an element that has experienced a gamma emission?
a. Cl: 1s22s22p63s23p5
b. Be: 1s22s2
c. Na: 1s22s22p63p1
d. N: 1s22s22p3
