Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What charge do gamma rays have?

1. Positive charge

2. Negative charge

3. No charge at all

4. Neutral and positive

The correct answer is: No charge at all

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light but with much higher energy. One of the key characteristics of electromagnetic radiation is that it is composed of photons, which are massless particles that carry energy. Importantly, photons do not have any electric charge; they can travel through a vacuum and do not interact with electric or magnetic fields in the same way charged particles do. Since gamma rays are essentially photons, they inherently possess no charge at all. This property distinguishes them from other forms of radiation, such as alpha and beta particles, which are charged. Consequently, the correct choice is that gamma rays have no charge at all. Understanding this fundamental characteristic of gamma rays is essential for comprehending their behavior, interactions with matter, and their implications in radiation safety.