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Gamma ray
{{for|other uses|Gamma (disambiguation)}}
'''Gamma rays''' (γ-rays) are [[electromagnetic]] waves with the smallest [[wavelength]]s in the [[electromagnetic spectrum]].<ref>The electromagnetic spectrum is made of many types of waves that are like light, but you can not see all of them.</ref> They were discovered in 1900 by [[Paul Villard]], and named in 1903 by [[Ernest Rutherford]].

Gamma rays are produced by some types of radioactive [[atom]]s.  Gamma rays are like [[x-rays]]like [[x-rays]], but the waves are smaller. Both gamma rays and x-rays are [[photons]] with very high energies. Gamma rays, and gamma have even more energy. They are also a type of [[radiation]]. Gamma rays can travel through thicker materials than x-rays can.  

Gamma rays are produced by some types of radioactive [[atom]]s.  ⏎
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[[Cobalt]]-60 and [[potassium]]-40 are two [[isotopes]] that emit gamma rays. Cobalt-60 is created in accelerators and is used in hospitals. Potassium-40 occurs naturally. Small amounts of potassium-40 are in all plants and animals. Gamma rays from potassium-40 each have an energy of 1460 thousand [[electron volts]]s (keV). 

Gamma rays and X-rays are now usuallycan also be distinguished by their origin: X-rays are emitted by [[electron]]s outside the [[Nucleus (physics)|nucleus]], while gamma rays are emitted by the nucleus.<ref>Feynman, Richard; Robert Leighton, Matthew Sands 1963. ''The Feynman Lectures on Physics'', vol 1. USA: Addison-Wesley. pp2–5 ISBN 0201021161.</ref> 

== Gamma rays in medicine ==
Gamma rays can also go through the skin to kill cells, such as cancerous cells.
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