Which type of electromagnetic radiation is commonly used by doctors to treat certain medical conditions?

• A. Radio waves
• B. X-rays
• C. Gamma rays
• D. Microwaves

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electromagnetic radiation covers a broad spectrum, including radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, and gamma rays, each with different energy levels and uses.
2. Recognize that medical treatments often require radiation that can penetrate tissues and affect cells at a molecular level, which typically involves high-energy radiation.
3. Recall that radio waves and microwaves have relatively low energy and are generally used for communication and heating, not for medical treatment of conditions like cancer.
4. Know that X-rays are commonly used for imaging (like taking pictures of bones) but can also be used in some treatments, though they are less energetic than gamma rays.
5. Identify gamma rays as the highest energy electromagnetic radiation commonly used by doctors to treat certain medical conditions, such as cancer, because their high energy can destroy harmful cells.