Question

Which of the following has the highest energy?

• A. X-rays
• B. Ultraviolet radiation
• C. Gamma rays
• D. Infrared radiation.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Gamma rays

Reason for correct option-

1. The energy of an electromagnetic wave is determined by the formula $E=Hv$
2. Here H is Planck's constant and v is the frequency of the wave.
3. Hence Higher the frequency higher is the energy
4. Since gamma rays have the highest frequency, it has the highest energy

Reason for incorrect option-

1. All the other waves have a lower frequency than gamma waves hence lower energy
2. Order of frequency/energy is Gamma rays > X-rays > ultra-violet radiation > infrared radiation.