Question

A student reads that radio waves are considered safe, while X-rays are dangerous. The student examines an electromagnetic spectrum shown below.

image

Based on this information, which statement can the student BEST make to explain the difference between radio waves and X-rays?

A.
The shorter wavelength of X-rays indicates that they are less common.

B.
The shorter wavelength of X-rays indicates that they have more energy.

C.
The shorter wavelength of X-rays indicates that they have a higher temperature and can more easily cause burns.

D.
The shorter wavelength of X-rays indicates that their particles are heavier and can travel farther through matter.

Answer 1

B.

Shorter wavelength means higher frequency and therefore higher photon energy (E = hf). X-rays are high-energy, ionizing photons that can damage cells and DNA, while radio waves have much lower energy and are non‑ionizing.