Question

The frequencies of \(\mathrm{x}\) rays, \(\gamma\) rays and ultraviolet rays are respectively \(\mathrm{p}, \mathrm{q}\) and \(\mathrm{r}\) then (A) \(pr\) (B) \(p>q, q>r\) (C) \(p>q, q

Short answer

The correct statement is (A) \(pr\), which represents the relationships between the frequencies of x-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet rays according to the electromagnetic spectrum order.

Step-by-step solution

Recall the electromagnetic spectrum order

The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuous range of wavelengths and frequencies of electromagnetic waves. It can be remembered by the following order, from the lowest frequency (longest wavelength) to the highest frequency (shortest wavelength): Radio waves → Microwaves → Infrared → Visible Light → Ultraviolet → X-rays → Gamma rays

Compare the frequencies of x-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet

From the order of the electromagnetic spectrum, we can see the position of each type of ray: - X-rays: Higher frequency than ultraviolet but lower frequency than gamma rays. - Gamma rays: Highest frequency. - Ultraviolet rays: Lower frequency than x-rays and gamma rays. Now, let's compare their frequencies: - p (x-rays): Based on the electromagnetic spectrum order, the frequency of x-rays is higher than ultraviolet and lower than gamma rays; therefore, \(p > r\) and \(p < q\). - q (gamma rays): Being the highest frequency, gamma rays have a frequency greater than x-rays and ultraviolet rays; thus, \(q > p\) and \(q > r\). - r (ultraviolet rays): Having the lowest frequency, the frequency of ultraviolet rays is lower than x-rays and gamma rays; so, \(r < p\) and \(r < q\).

Identify the correct statement

With the comparisons in Step 2, we can find the correct statement among the options given. (A) \(p < q, q > r\): This statement corresponds to the relationships we derived in Step 2. Therefore, \textbf{option A is the correct answer}. (B) \(p > q, q > r\): This statement is incorrect because gamma rays (q) have a higher frequency than x-rays (p). (C) \(p > q, q < r\): This statement is incorrect because gamma rays (q) have the highest frequency among the three types of rays. (D) \(p < q, q < r\): This statement is incorrect because ultraviolet rays (r) have a lower frequency than x-rays (p) and gamma rays (q).

Key concepts

X-rays

X-rays are a fascinating part of the electromagnetic spectrum. They boast a higher frequency than ultraviolet rays but are "chill" compared to gamma rays. Originating from the higher end of the ultraviolet spectrum, X-rays are potent enough to pass through most materials, which is one reason they are invaluable in medical imaging. They provide an "inside" view without needing surgery. Key characteristics of X-rays include:

• High frequency, but not as extreme as gamma rays.
• Lower wavelength than ultraviolet, which helps them penetrate substances.
• Used extensively in detecting structural defects in materials and in medical diagnostics.

It's interesting how these rays can tell us so much about the world inside solid objects, simply by how they interact and pass through matter.

Gamma rays

Gamma rays stand at the pinnacle of frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum. They are characterized by having the shortest wavelengths and the highest energies. Produced mainly by radioactive atoms and in nuclear explosions, gamma rays are incredibly penetrating and can pose serious radiation hazards. Due to their high energy, they are used in medicine to treat certain types of cancer, where they can target and destroy malignant cells. Some fascinating details about gamma rays:

• They have the highest frequency of all electromagnetic waves.
• Strongly penetrating, which makes them both useful in industrial applications and a point of caution.
• Used in radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissues.

Despite their potential danger, gamma rays have opened a window into the high-energy universe, helping astronomers study phenomena like gamma-ray bursts and the universe's birth events.

Ultraviolet rays

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are found just beyond the violet part of the visible light spectrum. While their frequencies are the lowest among X-rays and gamma rays, they have unique properties and applications. UV rays are notorious for causing sunburns, as they can cause damage to the skin at prolonged exposure without protection. However, they also play essential roles, such as in the production of vitamin D in the skin and in sterilizing medical instruments. Key points about ultraviolet rays include:

• Lower frequency compared to both X-rays and gamma rays.
• Vital in manufacturing and healthcare for sterilization purposes.
• Used in suntan beds, as well as natural sunlight exposure for health benefits and risks.

Despite their short wavelength, which is still longer than that of X-rays, UV rays play a crucial part in both natural processes and technological applications.