Question

Why are x-rays and gamma rays able to penetrate the body, but radio waves are not?

a) X-rays and gamma rays have higher energy
b) Radio waves are absorbed by body tissues
c) Radio waves have lower frequency
d) X-rays and gamma rays are reflected by the body

Answer 1

X-rays and gamma rays have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies, giving them more energy than radio waves, which enables them to penetrate the body and makes them suitable for medical imaging.

Step-by-step explanation:

X-rays and gamma rays are able to penetrate the body because they carry with them more energy due to their higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths, compared to radio waves. Specifically, X-rays and gamma rays have higher frequencies (3 × 10¹⁶ - 6 × 10¹⁹ Hz) and shorter wavelengths (1 × 10⁻⁸ - 5 × 10⁻¹² m) than visible light, and these properties give them the high energies needed to penetrate matter more deeply. In contrast, radio waves have lower frequencies and longer wavelengths, resulting in lower energy, which limits their penetrating ability. As such, X-rays are used in imaging to see inside the body because of their ability to pass through tissues and reveal structures such as bones.