Gamma Emission
The release of high-energy electromagnetic radiation from a nucleus dropping to a lower energy state.
Formula / equation
ᴬ_Z X* → ᴬ_Z X + γ
Unit
MeV
In depth
Gamma emission changes neither the atomic number nor the mass number, only the nuclear energy. It usually follows alpha or beta decay, which often leaves the daughter nucleus excited. Gamma rays are highly penetrating and need thick lead or concrete to attenuate them.
Examples in the real world
Cobalt-60 emitting 1.17 and 1.33 MeV gammas used in radiotherapy and industrial radiography.