Final answer:
Gamma rays have shorter wavelengths and higher energy than visible light, endowing them with greater penetrating power; they are hazardous to living tissues and are generated by nuclear interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gama (y) rays and visible light are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, but they have different characteristics in terms of wavelength, energy, and their interaction with matter. Here are three key differences:
- Wavelength: Gamma rays have much shorter wavelengths than visible light, typically no longer than 0.01 nanometer. Shorter wavelengths are associated with higher energy levels.
- Energy: Because they have shorter wavelengths, gamma rays carry more energy than visible light. This energy allows gamma rays to penetrate materials more easily than visible light can.
- Penetrating power: Gamma rays have a tremendous penetration power and require thick shielding, like several inches of dense material such as lead, to block them. They can pass completely through the human body without being absorbed, whereas visible light is mostly absorbed or reflected when it hits our skin or other objects.
Gamma rays are produced by nuclear interactions, while visible light and other forms like X-rays are produced by atomic interactions. Due to their high energy, gamma rays can be harmful to living tissues.