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Radiation and Radioactivity : Types of Radiation : Gamma Rays |
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Gamma Rays |
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Gamma rays are quanta (pulses) of high energy emitted from an unstable atom. They travel at approximately 300,000 kilometers per second (the speed of light) and are continually reduced in intensity with distance of penetration. To reduce typical gamma rays by a factor of a billion, thicknesses of shield need to be: |
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4.2 meters (about 13.8 feet) of water
2.0 meters (about 6.6 feet) of concrete, or 40 centimeters (about 1.3 feet) of lead |
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Shielding is very necessary for protection against gamma radiation. |
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