Question

in how many ways can gama rays produce ionizatio of atoms? Explain

Answer 1

The mechanisms of interaction for ionizing radiation in the form of x-rays and gamma-rays include the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering and at high enough energies, electron positron pair production.


Ionizing Radiation

Ionization is the ejection of one or more electrons from an atom or molecule to produce a fragment with a net positive charge (positive ion). The classification of radiation as "ionizing" is essentially a statement that it has enough quantum energy to eject an electron. This is a crucial distinction, since "ionizing radiation" can produce a number of physiological effects, such as those associated with risk of mutation or cancer, which non-ionizing radiation cannot directly produce at any intensity.
Comparison with non-ionizing radiation
The mechanisms of interaction for ionizing radiation in the form of x-rays and gamma-rays include the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering and at high enough energies, electron positron pair production.

Although the precise ionization energy differs with the atom or molecule involved, a general statement is any radiation with quantum energy above a few electron volts is considered to be ionizing radiation. The threshold for ionization lies somewhere in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum, so all x-rays and gamma-rays are ionizing radiation. All forms of nuclear radiation are also ionizing radiation because of their extremely high energies.

Answer 2

gamma rays being electromagnetic radiation consists of photons of energy E=h.nu ,these energetic photons (acting as particles) collide with electrons and knock them off.. thus resulting in ionisation of atoms