Radiation Safety Practice Exam

What indicates the energy levels for gamma rays and X-rays?

1. Amplitude

2. Energy

3. Frequency

4. Wavelength

The correct answer is: Frequency

The energy levels for gamma rays and X-rays are indicated by their frequency. In the electromagnetic spectrum, frequency is directly related to the energy of a photon. The higher the frequency of electromagnetic radiation, the greater its energy. This relationship is described by the equation E = hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency. Both gamma rays and X-rays possess high frequencies compared to other types of radiation, which is why they are associated with higher energy levels. This characteristic explains their ability to penetrate materials and interact with matter, which is significant when discussing radiation safety and protection measures. While concepts such as amplitude, energy, and wavelength are important in understanding the behavior of electromagnetic waves, frequency specifically relates to the energy of X-rays and gamma rays. Furthermore, wavelength is inversely related to frequency, which means that while they provide information about the radiation type, frequency is the definitive indicator of energy levels.