Question

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation more energetic than radio waves. What can we say about gamma rays?

A) They have a higher frequency and a longer wavelength than radio waves.
B) They have a shorter wavelength than radio waves but travel at a higher velocity.
C) They travel at the speed of radio waves but are more massive.
D) They have a higher frequency than radio waves but travel at a slower velocity.
E) They have a higher frequency and a shorter wavelength than radio waves.

Answer 1

The correct statement about gamma rays in comparison to radio waves is that they have a higher frequency and a shorter wavelength. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed of light, so gamma rays do not have a higher velocity but they do carry more energy due to their high frequency and short wavelength.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that is more energetic than radio waves. The correct statement about gamma rays is E) They have a higher frequency and a shorter wavelength than radio waves.

Electromagnetic waves, including gamma rays and radio waves, travel at the same speed - the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (186,282 miles per second). Therefore, any differences between them are not in speed, but in their energy, frequency, and wavelength.

Gamma rays have extremely short wavelengths and high frequencies, which correlates with their high energy levels. Unlike radio waves, which have much longer wavelengths and lower frequencies, gamma rays can penetrate materials that would absorb or reflect lower-energy radiation.

This is why several inches of dense material, like lead, are often required to shield from gamma rays' penetration power. The high frequency and short wavelength of gamma rays also imply that they carry more energy, as E = hf where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency.