Understanding X-rays Frequency in the Electromagnetic Spectrum
The question asks us to compare the frequency of X-rays to other types of electromagnetic radiation. To answer this correctly, we need to understand the order of the electromagnetic spectrum based on frequency.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum Explained
The electromagnetic spectrum arranges different types of electromagnetic radiation according to their frequency and wavelength. Frequency ($f$) represents the number of wave cycles passing a point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Wavelength ($\lambda$) is the distance between successive crests of a wave.
These two properties are inversely related: as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa. The relationship is given by the formula $c = \lambda f$, where $c$ is the speed of light.
The general order of the electromagnetic spectrum, from lowest frequency (longest wavelength) to highest frequency (shortest wavelength), is:
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared radiation
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
Comparing X-rays Frequency
Based on the order of the electromagnetic spectrum:
- The frequency of X-rays is higher than the frequency of Ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- The frequency of X-rays is higher than the frequency of Microwaves.
- The frequency of X-rays is higher than the frequency of Radio waves.
- The frequency of X-rays is lower than the frequency of Gamma rays.
Therefore, the frequency of X-rays is less than the frequency of gamma rays.
Frequency Comparison Table
| Electromagnetic Wave | Relative Frequency (Approx.) | Relative Wavelength (Approx.) |
| Radio waves | Low ($f_{radio} \approx 10^4 - 10^8 \text{ Hz}$) | Long ($\lambda_{radio} \approx 3 \times 10^4 - 0.003 \text{ m}$) |
| Microwaves | Low-Mid ($f_{micro} \approx 10^8 - 10^{11} \text{ Hz}$) | Mid-Long ($\lambda_{micro} \approx 0.003 - 1 \times 10^{-3} \text{ m}$) |
| Ultraviolet rays | High-Mid ($f_{UV} \approx 10^{15} - 10^{16} \text{ Hz}$) | Short-Mid ($\lambda_{UV} \approx 10^{-7} - 10^{-8} \text{ m}$) |
| X-rays | High ($f_{X-ray} \approx 10^{16} - 10^{19} \text{ Hz}$) | Short ($\lambda_{X-ray} \approx 10^{-8} - 10^{-11} \text{ m}$) |
| Gamma rays | Very High ($f_{gamma} \approx 10^{19} - 10^{22} \text{ Hz}$) | Very Short ($\lambda_{gamma} \approx 10^{-11} - 10^{-14} \text{ m}$) |
This table clearly shows that X-rays have a lower frequency range compared to gamma rays. Thus, X-rays have less frequency than gamma rays.
Important Questions from Electromagnetic Spectrum
Penetrating power of X-rays does not depend on:
For X-rays and white sunlight:
The wave number of the limiting line of the series (visible) in hydrogen spectrum is:
Which one of the following is not an example of electromagnetic waves?
Radiation with maximum penetration power is
