Gamma emission

Alpha and beta particles have the characteristics of matter:  They have definite masses, occupy space, and so on. However, because no mass change is associated with gamma emission, I refer to gamma emission as gamma radiation emission. Gamma radiation is similar to X-rays  high energy, short wavelength radiation. Gamma radiation commonly accompanies both alpha and beta emission, but it’s usually not shown in a balanced nuclear reaction. Some isotopes, such as cobalt- 60 (Co-60), give off large amounts of gamma radiation. Co-60 is used in the radiation treatment of cancer. The medical personnel focus gamma rays on the tumor, thus destroying it.