Which method uses gamma rays produced by radioactive isotopes such as cobalt-60 or cesium-137?

Which method uses gamma rays produced by radioactive isotopes such as cobalt-60 or cesium-137?

• A. Electron Beam
• B. X-rays
• C. Gamma irradiation
• D. Ultraviolet

Answer: (C)

Gamma irradiation uses gamma rays emitted by radioactive isotopes such as cobalt-60 or cesium-137. These isotopes decay and release high-energy photons (gamma rays) that are highly penetrating, allowing sterilization or decontamination of foods and other products without excessive heating. In practice, sealed sources of Co-60 or Cs-137 irradiate the product to inactivate microorganisms and parasites. The other methods don’t fit because electron beam relies on accelerating electrons, not gamma photons; X-rays come from X-ray tubes or accelerators (not from radioactive decay); ultraviolet uses non-radioactive UV light, which has different penetrating power and is not produced by these isotopes.

Gamma irradiation uses gamma rays emitted by radioactive isotopes such as cobalt-60 or cesium-137. These isotopes decay and release high-energy photons (gamma rays) that are highly penetrating, allowing sterilization or decontamination of foods and other products without excessive heating. In practice, sealed sources of Co-60 or Cs-137 irradiate the product to inactivate microorganisms and parasites.

The other methods don’t fit because electron beam relies on accelerating electrons, not gamma photons; X-rays come from X-ray tubes or accelerators (not from radioactive decay); ultraviolet uses non-radioactive UV light, which has different penetrating power and is not produced by these isotopes.