Select the items below that produce gamma rays on Earth.

Question

Responses

radioactive decay
radioactive decay

regions around black holes
regions around black holes

neutron stars
neutron stars

lightning
lightning

supernova explosions
supernova explosions

pulsars
pulsars

nuclear explosion

Answer 1

The following items from your list produce gamma rays on Earth:

1. Radioactive decay - Certain isotopes emit gamma rays as they decay.

2. Regions around black holes - The intense gravitational fields around black holes can produce gamma-ray emissions, especially from accreting matter.

3. Neutron stars - Particularly in the case of pulsars, which are rotating neutron stars, can emit gamma rays.

4. Supernova explosions - These explosive events can produce a significant amount of gamma rays.

5. Pulsars - As mentioned, pulsars can emit gamma rays due to their rapid rotation and strong magnetic fields.

6. Nuclear explosions - These can produce gamma rays as a result of the nuclear reactions involved.

Lightning, while it does generate various electromagnetic emissions, is primarily known for producing radio waves and other forms of light rather than gamma rays.

So, the items that produce gamma rays on Earth from your list are:

• Radioactive decay
• Regions around black holes
• Neutron stars
• Supernova explosions
• Pulsars
• Nuclear explosion