Northprairieman said:I remember reading before that hydrogen gas is "transparent" to gamma rays. What does this mean? I know it has something to do with the gamma rays not heating the hydrogen. Also, would Xenon gas be transparent to gamma rays?
Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation with a very high frequency and short wavelength. They are produced by the decay of radioactive materials or by high-energy processes such as nuclear reactions.
When gamma rays interact with gas molecules, they transfer their energy to the molecules, causing them to vibrate and increase in temperature. This is known as the photoelectric effect.
The intensity of gamma rays is directly proportional to the increase in gas temperature. This means that the more gamma rays that are present, the higher the temperature of the gas will be.
Gamma rays can heat gases at any temperature, as long as there is a sufficient amount of energy being transferred. However, they are most effective at heating gases at lower temperatures.
Gamma rays are commonly used in industrial processes such as sterilization and food preservation. They are also used in medical treatments for cancer and other diseases. In addition, gamma rays can be utilized in nuclear power plants to heat water and produce steam for electricity generation.