The wavelength of X-rays is of the order of

The wavelength of X-rays is of the order of

1 Å
1 μm
1 mm
1 cm
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2018
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging approximately from 0.01 to 10 nanometers (nm). An Angstrom (Å) is a unit of length equal to 0.1 nanometers, or 10⁻¹⁰ meters. Therefore, the wavelength of X-rays is of the order of Angstroms (1 Å = 0.1 nm). The other options represent much longer wavelengths: 1 μm (micrometer) = 1000 nm (infrared), 1 mm (millimeter) = 1,000,000 nm (microwave/radio), 1 cm (centimeter) = 10,000,000 nm (radio).
The electromagnetic spectrum covers a wide range of wavelengths and frequencies. Different types of radiation (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays) are characterized by their distinct wavelength ranges. X-rays are high-energy, short-wavelength radiation.
X-rays are commonly used in medical imaging (radiography) due to their ability to penetrate soft tissues but be absorbed by denser materials like bones. They are also used in crystallography (X-ray diffraction) to determine the atomic and molecular structure of crystals, as the wavelengths of X-rays are comparable to the spacing between atoms in crystal lattices.
Exit mobile version