Chapter 3, Problem 1EPL

The electromagnetic spectrum of light is often arranged in terms of frequency. Which one of the following has the highest frequency (circle one)?

To determine

The electromagnetic radiation with the highest frequency.

Answer to Problem 1EPL

The Gamma rays have the highest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Explanation of Solution

The electromagnetic spectrum is the band consisting of all the electromagnetic radiation arranged in the increasing order of their wavelength or in the decreasing order of their frequencies. All the electromagnetic radiations are considered to be the transverse waves.

The electromagnetic radiations can travel through space even in the absence of the medium. The frequency of an electromagnetic radiation is the number of cycles occurring in the wave in time period of $1\sec$.

The frequency of the Gamma rays is of order ${10}^{25}\text{Hz}$ and down the spectrum; it decreases to ${10}^3\text{Hz}$ for the radio waves. Therefore, the frequency of the gamma rays is the highest in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Conclusion:

Thus, the Gamma rays have the highest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum.