Gamma Rays: They're Super!

There are many parts to the electro-magnetic spectrum, but one of the more interesting sections of the spectrum is perhaps the gamma ray. Now you may be asking, "A gamma who-what now? What on earth is a gamma ray?" Well folks, that is what I'm here to tell you.

A gamma ray is part of the electro-magnetic spectrum, which includes many other types of waves, like radio waves and ultraviolet waves, and even infrared waves. However, the gamma ray is very different from any others. The gamma ray is generated by sub-ato

mic particle interactions, which includes electron positron annihilation, radioactive deca

y, fusion, and fission. The frequency of the gamma ray usually ranges above 10^19 (10,000,000,000,000,000,000) Hz. The wavelength

range of the gamma wave is usually under 10 trillionths (10^-12) of a meter, or, 10 picometers. So, it is very intriguing that the gamma ray has an extremely high frequency and an extremely short wavelength.

Another interesting set of facts about gamma rays are the things they can be used for. So we have our sub-atomic particle interactions giving off gamma rays, but what can we use the rays for? Well, Gamma rays are capable of killing living organisms using "irradiation" (where an object is exposed to radiation to kill living tissue). This can be applied to the sterilization of medical equipment, removing decay causing bacteria from food, and preventing crops from sprouting to maintain freshness/flavor.

Aside from the uses, there are a few interesting phenomena regarding gamma rays. For example, gamma rays have the high frequencies and short wave lengths (as you may know), but they also have the SMALLEST wavelength and the HIGHEST energy of all waves on the electro-magnetic spectrum. Gamma ray bursts emit more energy in 10 seconds than the sun could in 10 billion years! Gamma rays are absolutely everywhere, but cannot be seen. However, they show us very much about our universe (see science.hq.nasa.gov). Also, gamma waves can be very dangerous, as they are a form of ionizing radiation, which can cause serious damage when absorbed by living tissue. Most of us have heard of the radiation that exists after a nuclear bomb, yes? Essentially, those are gamma rays, or the dangerous part of them anyway. (See www.fas.org for effects of nuclear radiation)

All together, we can see that gamma rays are a very fascinating part of the electro-magnetic spectrum. Though they are very dangerous, it is the ability to kill that allows these rays to be used in killing bacteria for sterilization, and other things along that line. However, with much research, there are possibly many other things that these rays can be used for.

Source Citation

Netting, Ruth. "Gamma Rays." NASA. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2007.
.

E.P.A. "Gamma Rays: Radiation Protection." E.P.A. N.p., 23 Feb. 2010. Web. 31
Mar. 2010. .

NDT. "Gamma Radiation." NDT Resource Center. NDT, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2010.
Physics/gamma.htm>.

“Where are the seeds of my scientific career planted?”

If I were to be a scientist, I would likely be a botanist. A botanist is one who studies plant life and the life cycle of plants. Specifically, this could include going on excursions to catalog and document types of plants, studying plants for medicinal use, etc. Here is an article that shows a recent study involving calming effects of Lavender.

Many schools out there have great programs for Botany and plant studies. One school I found was the University of Purdue, with their program for botany and plant pathology

This field appeals to me because I have always been interested by plants, due to their diversity, and their endless wonders (cheesy. I know). Having a small section of woodland in my backyard, I sometimes find myself comparing trees, flowers, and shrubs. This scientific field matches up with my style of thinking because the plant world is incredibly diverse, and I’m not afraid to tackle a small section of this large field, or even the whole thing! Here is a small database of different types of plants. Again, this is only a small section of the plant world, as these are plants with common English names.

You might say I derive a little of my interest of plants from my grandfather, who was a floral culturist. With me carrying on from his legacy, who is to say my grandchildren won’t as well? This field itself will also carry its own legacy, as the plant world around us has created many foods, medicines, etc., and will continue to forever.

Cell Phones and Fuel Pumps... Safe Together?

Is it safe to use a cell phone while pumping gas? That is the question. Many people believe it is not safe to do so for a number of reasons. First, at most gas pumps is a sign that says, "No cell phones." There is one reason to believe it is not safe. The second reason is that there are cases of people using cell phones at the pump who have caught on fire. That's reason enough for me, yet many people will will argue that it is safe to use a phone at a gas pumps. Arguments can be simple as, "Well I've never seen anybody catch on fire at a gas station, and I see people using cell phones there all the time." This is certainly logical, and in all honesty, I can totally agree with that. However, this isn't to say it can't happen...

Now that we've answered the "why," let's answer the "how." How does a cell phone start a fire at a gas pump, IF it can start a fire? Some say it is the static charge that can ignite the gas fumes, and that before pumping gas, one must touch something metal to dispel the static charge before touching the gas nozzle. Others say that the radio waves can ignite, for one case shows a man's pants catching on fire as soon as his phone rang in his pocket. however, those who say it is still safe to use a phone at the pump might say, "Well, out of all the people that use phones at the pump, one person causing an accident could have been a fluke." Again, I can totally agree with this. However, for me, it's better safe than sorry

With the "why" and the "how" answered, there isn't much else needed other that perhaps the "where" and the "who." According to my research done on www.truthorfiction.com, a worker from a shell gas station gives a few cases of accidents occurring at the pump with cell phone use. In one, a man's phone rang and fumes from the tank simultaneously ignited. In another, a man's pants caught on fire as his phone rang in his pocket, and another man suffered facial burns while talking on his phone at the pump. My other source, Center4research.com, flat out is against any phones at the pump, and gives many precautions regarding cell phones before pumping gas. My side of the arguement, is clear, though I tried to stay unbiased. With all these reported accidents, you should ask yourself, "Is it worth possibly getting a serious burn? Or can the conversation wait?"

The video, picture, and URL assignment...

This is a battle of Epic proportion. I realize this is not a particularly good fight, nor are the combatants skilled. However, Barney, Pooh Bear, and Shrek fighting is still pretty funny...


He is plotting your demise...




This cat is on a mission...

... Run away... far far away...

... He's catching up to you...




Here is a website I found where you can find a delicious Lasagna recipe:

http://mylasagnarecipe.com/