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The gamma ray is the highest frequency (and highest energy) photon. If we list a "rough" version of the electromagnetic spectrum from lowest energy up, we see radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays and gamma rays. Gamma rays are generated by nuclear events, by changes in atomic nuclei, and they pack a lot of energy. They are the most dangerous and cause the most biological damage.

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15y ago
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6mo ago

Electromagnetic waves, such as X-rays and gamma rays, are generally more harmful than mechanical waves because they have higher frequencies and carry more energy. Exposure to high levels of electromagnetic waves can damage cells and tissues in the body, leading to harmful effects like radiation sickness and an increased risk of cancer.

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15y ago

There is a range to both of them. If you're in front of a tsunami or in an earthquake, mechanical waves are going to be your problem. If you're in outer space, the EM radiation of the sun is going to be your problem. Too much of anything will probably be harmful.

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15y ago

A Mechanical wave travels in consecutive compressions and rarefactions in the direction of the wave. They need a medium to travel, that is like air, water, iron etc...Sound is an example.

An Electromagnetic wave travels perpendicular along the direction of the wave. They do not need any medium to travel. They can travel in Vacuum. Light is an example.

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13y ago

gamma rays

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Q: Are mechanical or electromagnetic waves more harmful?
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Can Electromagnetic radiation travel through a vacuum at a constant speed regardless of wavelength?

Yes, electromagnetic radiation can travel through a vacuum at the speed of light (approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s) regardless of its wavelength. This is a fundamental property of electromagnetic waves as described by Maxwell's equations.


Electromagnetic waves with a longer wavelength has?

An electromagnetic wave with a longer wavelength will have a smaller frequency, and less energy per photon.An electromagnetic wave with a longer wavelength will have a smaller frequency, and less energy per photon.An electromagnetic wave with a longer wavelength will have a smaller frequency, and less energy per photon.An electromagnetic wave with a longer wavelength will have a smaller frequency, and less energy per photon.


What are some examples of compressional waves?

Mechanical waves are waves that need a medium to go through. Some examples are ocean waves, seismic waves, and sound waves. Also when a slinky moves back and forth or at right angles it is like a wave.


Electromagnetic radiation behaves like a particle when it?

Electromagnetic radiation behaves like a particle when interacting with matter, exhibiting properties of both waves and particles known as wave-particle duality. This behavior is described by quantum mechanics, where light can be thought of as particles called photons, each carrying discrete amounts of energy. This duality is exemplified in phenomena such as the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering.


Short wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation have more energy than long wavelengths?

Short wavelengths have higher frequencies, which correspond to higher energy levels, according to the wave-particle duality of light. This is why ultraviolet and gamma rays, which have short wavelengths, are more energetic and potentially harmful compared to longer-wavelength visible light or radio waves.

Related questions

Where do mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves travel fastest?

Mechanical waves, such as sound waves, travel fastest in solids because the particles are closer together and can transmit vibrations more quickly. Electromagnetic waves, such as light, travel fastest in a vacuum, where there are no particles to slow them down.


Are electromagnetic waves more harmful or beneficial to the human race?

Since that includes light, you'd be blind without them.


Is visible a longitudinal or transverse?

Yes I guess the question is related to the visible light. The visible light is transverse in nature. One more important point is that the light waves are not mechanical waves. Mecahnical waves do need a material medium to get traversed. Sound waves are mechanical waves. But light being non mechanical and being electromagnetic it can pass even through vacuum.


What are the 8 types of waves?

There are many ways of classifying waves. One of those ways are by categorizing them by their ability or inability to transmit energy through a vacuum. The two categories are electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves. Light is an electromagnetic wave, which has the ability to travel through a vacuum (empty space). Sound is a mechanical wave, it needs to travel through a medium (air, water, etc.) However, if you're looking for waves categorized by their wave length, they are (Going from shortest wavelength to longest.. Keep in mind, the shorter the wave length, the more energy it has): a) Gamma Rays b) X-Rays c) Ultra Violet Rays d) Visible Light e) Infrared f) Microwaves g) Radio Waves (p.s. These are electromagnetic waves)


What is the difference between electromagnetic waves and radiation?

No difference at all. Radio waves are one of many types of electromagnetic waves.


What less energy a wave has the smaller its?

If it is a mechanical wave, then the lower amplitude waves would have less energy. If you are talking about electromagnetic waves, then higher frequency waves (shorter wavelength) have more energy, and lower frequency waves have less energy.


What happens when the wavelength of electromagnetic waves decreases?

When the wavelength of electromagnetic waves decreases, the frequency of the waves increases. This means that the waves carry more energy and are more powerful. Lower wavelengths are associated with higher energy electromagnetic radiation such as X-rays and gamma rays.


Why are sound waves not on the electromagnetic spectrum?

Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to travel through, such as air or water, whereas electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum. Sound waves are produced by the vibration of particles in the medium, while electromagnetic waves are produced by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields. This fundamental difference in their nature places sound waves outside of the electromagnetic spectrum.


What is the term for energy that is transferred in the form of rays or waves?

Electromagnetic energy is transferred by waves. This includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, x-rays, and more. Waves can also be found in matter, like sound waves or ocean waves. Mechanical waves like these carry energy as well. However, electromagnetic waves do not need matter to travel.


Electromagnetic waves are classified according to their?

Frequency. Electromagnetic waves are just magnetic waves that are turning into electric waves. The faster they turn in to each other, the more energy and high up on the spectrum they are.


What determines the difference between types of electromagnetic radiation?

The difference between types of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, visible light, or X-rays, is determined by their frequency and wavelength. Electromagnetic radiation with higher frequency and shorter wavelength has more energy and is more harmful to biological tissues. The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all these types of radiation.


The maximum distance a molecule has been moved from its normal position by a wave is?

The maximum distance a molecule can be moved from its normal position by a wave is equal to the amplitude of the wave. This distance is typically small for light waves (such as electromagnetic waves) but can be more significant for mechanical waves like sound waves or water waves.