In the vast universe, there exist awe inspiring rays - gamma rays and beta rays. They not only reveal the mysteries of the universe, but also have a wide range of applications in real life. This article will take you to a deeper understanding of the characteristics, discovery process, and contributions of these two types of radiation to human society.
 

Gamma rays: high-energy light in the universe

Gamma rays are high-energy photon streams released during transitions within atomic nuclei, belonging to a type of electromagnetic wave, but possessing extremely strong penetrating power and energy. The energy of a gamma ray is hundreds of thousands of times greater than that of visible photons, making it extremely destructive. Gamma rays were first discovered by French physicist Villard in the late 19th century, but it was not until the 1960s with the discovery of a series of gamma ray bursts (GRBs) that they truly gained widespread attention in the scientific community.

Gamma ray burst (GRB): This is one of the brightest explosive phenomena in the universe, second only in brightness to the Big Bang. GRB releases enormous energy in a very short period of time, equivalent to the total energy released by the sun for hundreds of millions or even billions of years. GRB's research not only helps us understand extreme cosmological processes, but also reveals important information about cosmic events such as star death and black hole formation. For example, GRB 221009A, discovered in 2023, is considered the brightest gamma ray burst to date, providing valuable research opportunities for humanity.

Application and hazards: Gamma rays have important applications in medical, industrial and other fields due to their high energy and strong penetration. For example, the gamma knife utilizes directional irradiation of gamma rays to accurately treat tumors without damaging surrounding normal tissues. However, excessive exposure to gamma rays can cause great harm to the human body, including DNA breakage, cell mutations, and even cancer. Therefore, strict safety measures must be taken when using gamma rays.
Beta rays: the force of high-speed electron flow
 

Beta rays are high-speed electron streams released when a neutron in an atomic nucleus transforms into a proton, also known as beta particles. Unlike gamma rays, beta rays have relatively low penetration but strong ionization ability. The discovery of beta rays can be traced back to the late 19th century, by New Zealand physicist Rutherford and others.

Characteristics and Applications: The penetration ability of beta rays depends on their energy, but is usually smaller than that of gamma rays. It is mainly used in industrial instruments such as density meters and dust monitoring devices to infer the density or composition of substances by measuring their absorption of beta rays. In addition, beta rays are also used in nuclear medicine, such as radioisotope therapy.
Harm and protection: Although beta rays have weak penetration, long-term or extensive exposure can still cause harm to the human body. Its ionization effect can damage the DNA structure inside cells, leading to cell mutations or death. Therefore, when using beta rays, it is also necessary to take necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and goggles.
 

Gamma rays and beta rays, as mysterious forces in the universe, not only reveal the mysteries of the universe, but also play important roles in real life. However, their high energy and strong penetration also bring potential dangers. Therefore, while utilizing these rays, we must fully recognize their harmfulness and take corresponding safety measures. Only in this way can we better utilize these precious resources in the universe and contribute to the development of human society.