Final answer:
Photons with an energy value of 11 keV belong to the X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is characterized by wavelengths between 0.01 and 20 nanometers and can penetrate soft tissue but not bones. X-rays have greater energy than ultraviolet radiation and are considered ionizing radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electromagnetic Spectrum and Photon Energy
When dealing with the electromagnetic spectrum, different regions correspond to different energies of photons. Photons with an energy of 11 keV (kilo-electronvolts) fall within the X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This is because X-rays have wavelengths between 0.01 nanometers and 20 nanometers and are known for their penetration abilities, which are greater than that of UV (ultraviolet) radiation. They can pass through soft tissue but are typically absorbed by denser materials such as bones.
The energy per photon generally increases from radio waves to gamma rays in the electromagnetic spectrum. To rank different regions by energy per photon, we would have:
- Gamma rays
- X-rays
- Ultraviolet (UV)
- Visible light
- Infrared (IR)
- Microwave
- Radio waves
It's also important to note that higher-energy photon regions like UV, X-rays, and gamma rays are referred to as ionizing radiation. They possess enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules by knocking out electrons, leading to potential chemical and biological damage, which is why they are hazardous to living organisms.