Gamma Radiation and X-Rays’ Characteristics

There are some characteristics of gamma radiation and X-ray as follows:

1. Gamma radiation and X-rays are electromagnetic radiation like visible light, radio waves, and ultraviolet light. These electromagnetic radiations differ only in the amount of energy they have. Gamma rays and X-rays are the most energetic of these.

2. Gamma radiation is able to travel many meters in air and many centimeters in human tissue. It readily penetrates most materials and is sometimes called "penetrating radiation."

3. X-rays are like gamma rays. They are penetrating radiation too.

4. Radioactive materials that emit gamma radiation and X-rays constitute both an external and internal hazard to humans.

5. Dense materials are needed for shielding from gamma radiation. Clothing and turnout gear provide little shielding from penetrating radiation but will prevent contamination of the skin by radioactive materials.

6. Gamma radiation is detected with survey instruments, including civil defense instruments. Low levels can be measured with a standard Geiger counter, such as the CD V-700. High levels can be measured with an ionization chamber, such as a CD V-715.

7. Gamma radiation or X-rays frequently accompany the emission of alpha and beta radiation.

8. Instruments designed solely for alpha detection (such as an alpha scintillation counter) will not detect gamma radiation.

9. Pocket chamber (pencil) dosimeters, film badges, thermoluminescent, and other types of dosimeters can be used to measure accumulated exposure to gamma radiation.

Based on the characteristics, a material of tungsten is needed badly to absorb the radiation for a safety working situation. Tungsten material with high density raging from 17.0~18.5g.cm3 guarantee the excellent radiation protection in gamma radiation and X-ray situation.

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