Physics
Nuclear Physics
Gamma Decay
11
⚡ Quick Summary
In gamma decay, a nucleus emits a high-energy photon (gamma ray) to transition to a lower energy state. Energy and momentum are conserved, and the nucleus recoils.
Decrease in internal energy = E + (E^2)/(2Mc^2) where E is energy of gamma photon, M is mass of nucleus, c is speed of light.
Gamma decay occurs when a nucleus in an excited state releases energy by emitting a gamma photon. This process conserves energy and momentum. The nucleus recoils to conserve momentum. The decrease in internal energy is equal to the energy of the gamma photon plus the kinetic energy of the recoiling nucleus.