Gamma emission
What Gamma emission means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Gamma emission
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Gamma emission in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Releases energy without changing either the mass number or the atomic number, because it is electromagnetic radiation carrying energy only.
A way for an unstable nucleus to lose surplus energy without altering what the nucleus is, changing only its energy.
A process in which the nucleus loses energy without changing its mass or atomic number.
Topics that use Gamma emission
- Nuclear equations (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Alpha decay
- Beta decay
- Beta emission
- Nuclear equation
- Nuclear equations
- Alpha emission
- Alpha particle emission
- balanced nuclear equation
Using Gamma emission in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge