Gamma Decay with Wave Emission
About Gamma Radiation
Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves (not particles) emitted when an excited nucleus transitions to a lower energy state. They have very high frequencies (short wavelengths) in the MeV range.
Cobalt-60 decay: ⁶⁰₂₇Co → ⁶⁰₂₈Ni* + e⁻ + ν̄ (β⁻ decay)
Gamma emissions: ⁶⁰₂₈Ni* → ⁶⁰₂₈Ni + γ (1.17 MeV) + γ (1.33 MeV)
2.50 MeV (⁶⁰₂₈Ni*)
1.33 MeV
0 MeV (Ground state)
This simulation shows gamma rays as electromagnetic waves (sine waves) to better represent their true nature as high-energy photons.
