Question

Which one of the following has the highest frequency?
A.)Radio waves
B.)Infrared light
C.)Ultraviolet light
D.)Gamma rays

Answer 1

Hint: Recall the electromagnetic spectrum.

Complete step by step answer:
Gamma rays have the highest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. They have a frequency of the order of about 1020 to 1022 Hz.
So the correct answer is D) Gamma Rays.

Gamma rays are the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation and are produced in nuclear fusion or fission reaction, nuclear decay and emitted by radioactive materials

Additional information:
Due to their high frequency, Gamma rays carry a lot of energy. Thus, they can easily pass through many objects such as paper aluminium and lead. Only very thick walls of lead or concrete can stop gamma rays.

Gamma rays are used in gamma ray astronomy and in oncology in the form of Radiotherapy to kill cancerous cells. Since they have such high energy they can kill germs and pathogens easily. Thus, they are also used in sterilizing food and medical equipment.

Note: Memorizing the electromagnetic spectrum is key in solving such kinds of questions. To memorize the electromagnetic spectrum a mnemonic can be very handy. One such mnemonic is “Raging Martians Invaded Venus Using X-ray Guns'' where the first letter of each word stands for the electromagnetic waves in proper increasing order according to their frequency (or decreasing order according to their wavelength) – Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared waves, Visible light region, Ultraviolet waves, X-rays, Gamma rays.