Gamma rays have the highest energy of all forms of electromagnetic (EM) radiation.
Here’s how they compare:
- Radio waves & microwaves – Lowest energies, long wavelengths, used for communication and heating.
- Infrared (IR) – Higher than microwaves but still low energy, mostly heat radiation.
- Visible light – Mid-range energy, detectable by the human eye.
- Ultraviolet (UV) – Higher energy than visible light, can cause chemical reactions and sunburn.
- X-rays – Very high energy, can penetrate soft tissue and are used in medical imaging.
- Gamma rays – Highest energy, shortest wavelengths (less than 0.01 nanometers), produced by nuclear transitions, radioactive decay, and cosmic processes.
Because gamma ray photons carry much more energy than X-rays, they can penetrate most materials deeply, often requiring dense shielding like lead or concrete for protection.