The wave that has the highest frequency and penetrating power is

  • A. X-rays
  • B. Ultraviolet rays
  • C. Gamma rays
  • D. Microwaves

Explanation

Gamma rays sit at the extreme short wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum, so they carry the highest frequency and photon energy and need several centimetres of lead to attenuate them. X rays are next and overlap gamma rays in energy, the difference being origin: gamma from the nucleus, X rays from electron transitions or deceleration. Microwaves are at the low energy end.

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