Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

Gamma

Blast from nuclear test by the United States 1953 Nevada Desert.

Gamma rays have the smallest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. They have the most energy of any wave. The waves are generated by radioactive processes such as in nuclear explosions. Like other areas of the electromagnetic spectrum, they can be used to kill living cells, such as cancer, but can provoke DNA alteration by interfering with the genetic material of the cell.

Image acknowledgement: A nuclear test conducted by the United States in 1953 in the Nevada Desert. Public domain.

Glossary

Rights: Public domain
Published: 7 March 2018Size: 80.33 KB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources
interactive image map that looks at the electromagnetic spectrum

Interactive

The electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is a classification of the Sun’s radiation. Scientists have identified solar energy as a spectrum of many ...

Read more
Space revealed – introduction

Article

Space revealed – introduction

Astronomers studying space have two big problems:

Read more
Waves and energy – wave basics

Article

Waves and energy – wave basics

What is a wave? Most of us think of the waves we see at the beach. The waves come in ...

Read more
The electromagnetic spectrum – picture dictation

Activity

The electromagnetic spectrum – picture dictation

In this picture dictation activity, students use a range of skills to investigate some ways humans use the waves on ...

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato