MCQ Detailed View

The correct answer is X-rays.

Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet rays, and X-rays. They consist of high-energy photons traveling at the speed of light and have no mass or charge.

What makes gamma rays most similar to X-rays is their nature: both belong to the electromagnetic spectrum and differ mainly in their origin and energy levels.

• 
  

  X-rays are generally produced when high-energy electrons strike a metal target (like in X-ray tubes).

  
  


• 
  

  Gamma rays are emitted from the nucleus of radioactive atoms during nuclear transitions or radioactive decay.

  
  

Both gamma rays and X-rays can:

• 
  

  Penetrate matter deeply, unlike alpha and beta particles which are easily blocked.

  
  


• 
  

  Cause ionization of atoms and molecules.

  
  


• 
  

  Be used in medical applications, such as cancer treatment (radiotherapy) and diagnostic imaging.

  
  

Let’s compare with the other options:

• 
  

  Alpha rays are heavy, positively charged particles (helium nuclei). They are not electromagnetic radiation and can be stopped by paper.

  
  


• 
  

  Beta rays are streams of electrons or positrons. They are also particles, not waves.

  
  


• 
  

  Ultraviolet rays are electromagnetic radiation but have much lower energy than gamma rays, so their similarity is less than that of X-rays.

  
  

🔑 Key Facts:

• 
  

  Gamma rays and X-rays = both electromagnetic radiation.

  
  


• 
  

  Difference = X-rays come from electron interactions, gamma rays from nuclear transitions.

  
  


• 
  

  Both have high penetrating power, unlike alpha and beta particles.

  
  


• 
  

  Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and highest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum.

  
  

👉 Final Answer: Gamma rays have the greatest similarity with X-rays.