Question

High-energy radiation from the Sun can cause damage to the cells of living things. Earth's atmosphere protects us from much of the Sun's harmful radiation. Which of the following is NOT a type of high-energy radiation that is reflected or absorbed by Earth's atmosphere?(1 point)
Responses

X-ray radiation
X-ray radiation

ultraviolet radiation
ultraviolet radiation

microwave radiation
microwave radiation

gamma radiation
gamma radiation

Answer 1

Microwave radiation.

Reason: X-rays, ultraviolet, and gamma rays are high-energy and are largely absorbed by the atmosphere (e.g., ozone absorbs UV; the atmosphere and magnetic field block X‑rays and gamma rays). Microwaves are lower-energy and largely pass through the atmosphere (aside from some absorption bands due to water vapor/oxygen).