Gamma radiation is a form of
electromagnetic radiation emitted
when the atomic nucleus decays from a higher to a lower energy state.
One speaks of gamma
photons (denoted by the Greek letter γ)
to indicate that they are formed inside the atomic nucleus.
History
The name was coined in 1903 by New Zealand physicist Ernest Rutherford (1871 - 1937) baron of Nelson.
In 1914, it became apparent to him that it was electromagnetic radiation.
