Other Light Principles - MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

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Question

Which of the following is/are ionizing radiation?

  1. microwaves
  2. X-rays
  3. gamma rays
  4. all of the above
  5. 2 and 3, but not 1

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Answer

Choice 5 is correct. Highly energetic frequencies such as X-rays and gamma rays can displace electrons from materials upon which they impinge. Microwaves are a form of radio waves, which are long-wavelength, low frequency waves with little energy.

Mnemonic: Microwave ovens are fundamentally safe household items.

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