A gamma ray is essentially a very high energy photon.

a) True
b) False

a) True

what is the correct answer?

The correct answer is a) True. A gamma ray is indeed a very high energy photon.

The answer is a) True.

To determine the correctness of this statement, we need to understand the definition of a gamma ray. Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that has the highest energy and shortest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are produced by nuclear reactions, such as radioactive decay or nuclear explosions.

Photons, on the other hand, are elementary particles of electromagnetic radiation that behave both as particles and waves. They carry energy and can be thought of as packets of light.

By definition, gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, and since they are composed of photons, they can be considered very high energy photons. Therefore, the statement that a gamma ray is essentially a very high energy photon is true.