Question

Radio waves can bend around buildings. An X-ray technician stands behind a wall during the use of her machine. What does this tell you about the relative wavelengths of these two types of invisible light? Please use 2 content related sentences.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

The bending of wave is known as diffraction. It happens when there is an obstacle in the front of wave, for example, mechanical and electromagnetic wave.

However, the prime condition for diffraction to take place is that the obstacle should have similar or almost similar size to that of the size of wavelength. If you look at the electromagnetic spectrum which is divided in seven regions then you will find that Radio wave has the longest wavelength as compare to X-ray, that is why, radio wave bend around the buildings, whereas, X-ray so small to pass through even a wall thereby, it is impossible for it to take a bend around any wall or building.

Answer 2

Answer: Radio waves have a wavelength that is comparable in size with buildings, that is why it bends (diffracts) around them. On the other hand, X-rays wavelength is so small compared with the size of a building and even a wall, that it is impossible for this invisible light to bend around a wall.

This "bending" of the waves described here is formally known as Diffraction.

In this sense, diffraction happens when a wave (mechanical or electromagnetic wave) meets an obstacle or slit. When this occurs, the wave bends around the edges of the obstacle or passes through the opening of the slit that acts as an obstacle.

In this case we are talking about two types of electromagnetic waves (light):

-Radio waves with a wavelength between
`10^(-9)m` and
`10^(-12)m`

-X rays with a wavelength between
`1m` and
`10km`

Now, it is important to note that the principal condition for the occurrence of diffraction is that the obstacle must be comparable in size (similar size) to the size of the wavelength.

This means:

Radio waves have a wavelength that is comparable in size with buildings, that is why it bends (diffracts) around them. On the other hand, X-rays wavelength is so small compared with the size of a building and even a wall, that it is impossible for this invisible light to bend around a wall.

Therefore, if the technician stands behind a wall during the use of the X-ray machine, she will be safe.