Question

Which of the following are wavelengths of gamma rays?
${\text{A}}{\text{.}}$ ${10^{ - 10}}$ m to less than ${10^{ - 14}}$ m
${\text{B}}{\text{.}}$ ${10^{ - 14}}$ m to less than ${10^{ - 10}}$ m
${\text{C}}{\text{.}}$ ${10^{ - 11}}$ m to less than ${10^{ - 14}}$ m
${\text{D}}{\text{.}}$ ${10^{ - 14}}$ m to less than ${10^{ - 6}}$ m

Answer 1

Hint: Here, we will proceed by defining the gamma radiations. Then, we will write down how exactly the formation of these radiations takes place. Finally, we will mention the wavelength range of these radiations.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Among the three forms of natural radioactivity, gamma radiation is one. Gamma rays, like the X-rays, are electromagnetic radiation. The other two naturally occurring types of radioactivity are alpha and beta radiation in the form of particles. The most energetic type of electromagnetic radiation are gamma rays, with a very short wavelength.
Gamma radiation is the product of atoms which are radioactive. An isotope of a specific element may be stable or unstable, depending on the ratio of neutrons to protons inside its nucleus. If the binding energy is not strong enough to hold an atom's nucleus together, then the atom is said to be unstable.

Atoms with unstable nuclei are continually evolving because of the energy imbalance within the nucleus. Over time, the nuclei of unstable isotopes disintegrate or transform spontaneously, in a process known as radioactive decay. Diverse types of penetrating radiation can be emitted from the nucleus and/or the electrons around it. Radionuclides are called nuclides which undergo radioactive decay. A radioactive material is any material which contains measurable amounts of one or more radionuclides.
The wavelength of gamma rays are usually less than 100 pico-metre (pm) and

 1 pm = ${10^{ - 12}}$ m
This means that the wavelength of gamma rays is equal to ${10^{ - 10}}$ m
The wavelength of gamma rays are ${10^{ - 14}}$ m to less than ${10^{ - 10}}$ m

Therefore, option B is correct.

Note: The way they are created is the main difference between the gamma rays and X-rays. Gamma rays derive from a radionuclide 's settling phase of an excited nucleus after radioactive decay, whereas X-rays are created when electrons hit a target or when electrons rearrange inside an atom.