Final answer:
X-rays and gamma rays have higher frequencies, shorter wavelengths, and therefore more energy than visible light, which allows them to penetrate matter more effectively. The energy of these photons is determined by their frequencies, with higher frequencies corresponding to greater photon energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing gamma rays and X-rays to other forms of electromagnetic radiation in terms of physical quantities, we mainly consider three properties: energy, wavelength, and frequency. The energy of a photon is directly related to its frequency and inversely related to its wavelength, according to Planck's law (E=hu, where h is Planck's constant and u is the frequency). When you compare gamma rays and X-rays to other radiation such as visible light, they generally possess a higher frequency, a shorter wavelength, and therefore more energy.
For instance, let's compare the frequencies. X-rays have frequencies in the range of 3 × 10¹⁶ - 6 × 10¹⁹ Hz, which is significantly higher than those of visible light (4.0 × 10¹⁴ - 7.5 × 10¹⁴ Hz). Hence, X-rays have higher photon energies and can penetrate matter more effectively. On the other hand, when comparing with radio waves, which have frequencies much lower than visible light, X-rays have much higher frequencies and energies.
In the case of wavelength, X-rays possess wavelengths ranging from 1 × 10⁻⁸ to 5 × 10⁻¹² meters, which are shorter than those of visible light, resulting in higher energies as well. This attribute enables X-rays to have greater penetrating power and is why they can pass through various materials that visible light cannot, making them useful for medical imaging and other applications.
It is important to note that the 'energy,' 'wavelength,' and 'frequency' of X-rays and gamma rays are different when compared to other forms of electromagnetic radiation such as visible light or radio waves. As X-rays have higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths than visible light, they carry more energy. This principle is central to understanding how different types of electromagnetic radiation interact with matter.