Radiation used for certain cancer treatments has a wavelength of

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Waves Sound and Physical Optics · Waves Sound and Physical Optics

Problem

Radiation used for certain cancer treatments has a wavelength of 1.2×10−12 m1.2\times10^{-12}\,\text{m}. Use 3.00×108 m/s3.00\times10^{8}\,\text{m/s} for the speed of light. (a) Calculate the frequency of this radiation. (b) Classify the region of the electromagnetic spectrum corresponding to the given wavelength. Support your choice with quantitative comparison to standard boundaries. (c) Typical diagnostic X-ray photons have frequencies around 3.0×1018 Hz3.0\times10^{18}\,\text{Hz}. Compare the photon energies of the therapeutic radiation and the diagnostic X-rays. Explain which is more energetic and justify your answer using your result from part (a).

Related theory

Browse the problem library