Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum has the highest frequency? a) Visible light region b) Radio wave region c) X-ray region Gamma radiation region
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Gamma radiation region
Explanation:
The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, which are waves of energy that travel through space at the speed of light. These waves are classified based on their wavelength and frequency. Frequency is the number of wave cycles that pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz). The higher the frequency, the more energy the wave carries.
From lowest to highest frequency, the electromagnetic spectrum includes:
- Radio waves – Longest wavelength, lowest frequency
- Microwaves
- Infrared radiation
- Visible light – The light humans can see, ranging from red (low frequency) to violet (high frequency)
- Ultraviolet radiation
- X-rays
- Gamma rays – Shortest wavelength, highest frequency
Gamma radiation, also called gamma rays, has the highest frequency of all electromagnetic waves. This means it has the shortest wavelength and the greatest amount of energy per photon. Gamma rays are produced by the decay of atomic nuclei and certain cosmic events like supernovae and neutron star collisions.
Because of their high energy, gamma rays can penetrate most materials and are used in medical treatments (such as cancer radiation therapy) and scientific research. However, this high energy also makes them dangerous to living tissues in large doses.
To compare:
- Visible light has a much lower frequency than gamma rays and is safe for the human eye.
- Radio waves have the lowest frequency and are used for communication like broadcasting and mobile phones.
- X-rays have a high frequency, but not as high as gamma rays. They are used for imaging inside the human body.
Conclusion: Among the listed options, gamma radiation has the highest frequency and thus the most energy per photon.
