Question

Which of the following statements about X-rays and radio waves is not true? Which of the following statements about X-rays and radio waves is not true? X-rays and radio waves are both forms of light, or electromagnetic radiation. X-rays have higher frequency than radio waves. X-rays have shorter wavelengths than radio waves. X-rays travel through space faster than radio waves.

Answer 1

X-rays travel through space faster than radio waves.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillations of the electric and the magnetic field in a plane perpendicular to the direction of motion the wave.

All electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum always at the same speed, the speed of light, whose value is:

`c=3.0\cdot 10^8 m/s`

Electromagnetic waves are classified into 7 different types, according to their wavelength/frequency. From shortest to longest wavelength (and so, from highest to lowest frequency), we have:

Gamma rays

X rays

Ultraviolet

Visible light

Infrared radiation

Microwaves

Radio waves

Now we can analyze the 4 statements:

X-rays and radio waves are both forms of light, or electromagnetic radiation --> TRUE. They are both types of electromagnetic waves.

X-rays have higher frequency than radio waves. --> TRUE, as we can see from the table above.

X-rays have shorter wavelengths than radio waves. --> TRUE, as we can see from the table above.

X-rays travel through space faster than radio waves. --> FALSE: all electromagnetic waves travel in space at the same speed, the speed of light.