Question

What is the wavelength range of X-rays

• A. 700 nm to 1 nm
• B. 1 mm to 700 nm
• C. 0.1 to 1 mm
• D. 0.01 to 10 nm

Hint:

When considering the electromagnetic spectrum, remember that energy and frequency are directly proportional to each other, and inversely proportional to wavelength. X-rays are high-energy, high-frequency, and thus short-wavelength radiation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

What is the Wavelength Range of X-rays?

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet light but longer than gamma rays. The wavelength range of X-rays typically falls between 0.01 nm and 10 nm, corresponding to high-frequency electromagnetic waves that are capable of penetrating various materials. This range of wavelengths is what allows X-rays to be used effectively in applications such as medical imaging, where they need to pass through the body to create images of internal structures.

Understanding the Options

Let’s examine each option to determine the correct wavelength range for X-rays:

1. 700 nm to 1 nm

700 nm to 1 nm is not the correct range for X-rays. The range for visible light falls between approximately 400 nm to 700 nm, so this range includes wavelengths that are too long to be classified as X-rays. X-rays have much shorter wavelengths. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

2. 1 mm to 700 nm

1 mm to 700 nm includes wavelengths that are longer than those of X-rays. While the upper part of this range (700 nm) is in the visible light spectrum, the range for X-rays is much shorter, typically between 0.01 nm and 10 nm. This option is incorrect.

3. 0.1 to 1 mm

0.1 to 1 mm corresponds to wavelengths in the microwave and millimeter wave spectrum, which are much longer than X-rays. X-rays have much shorter wavelengths, typically between 0.01 nm and 10 nm. This range is not correct for X-rays.

4. 0.01 to 10 nm

0.01 to 10 nm is the correct wavelength range for X-rays. This range corresponds to the wavelengths of X-rays, which are between ultraviolet radiation and gamma rays. X-rays with wavelengths in this range have high energy, allowing them to penetrate various materials and be used in medical imaging, security screening, and industrial applications.

Why 0.01 to 10 nm is the Correct Answer

The correct wavelength range for X-rays is between 0.01 nm and 10 nm. This range is typical for X-ray radiation, which has high energy and can be used for medical imaging, industrial testing, and other applications requiring high penetration power.

Why Not the Other Options?

• 700 nm to 1 nm: This range includes wavelengths that are too long, extending into the visible spectrum, not X-rays.
• 1 mm to 700 nm: This range includes wavelengths that are too long, including both visible light and microwave radiation, not X-rays.
• 0.1 to 1 mm: This corresponds to the microwave and millimeter wave spectrum, which is far too long for X-rays.

A Simple Way to Remember

Here’s a simple analogy:

• X-rays: Think of X-rays as "short, powerful waves" that have the ability to penetrate through materials and produce detailed images of the inside of the body.
• Visible Light: This is longer in wavelength compared to X-rays, which is why X-rays can penetrate through solid objects like the human body.

Final Answer

The correct answer is 0.01 to 10 nm, as this is the typical wavelength range for X-rays.