Which of the following are examples of electromagnetic radiation?

• A. Visible light
• B. Sound waves
• C. Gamma rays
• D. Alpha particles

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electromagnetic radiation consists of waves of electric and magnetic fields that travel through space at the speed of light. Examples include visible light, gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, infrared light, microwaves, and radio waves.
2. Identify that visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation because it is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can see.
3. Recognize that gamma rays are also electromagnetic radiation; they have very high energy and short wavelengths, and are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
4. Know that sound waves are not electromagnetic radiation because they are mechanical waves that require a medium (like air or water) to travel through; they are vibrations of particles, not electromagnetic waves.
5. Understand that alpha particles are not electromagnetic radiation; they are particles consisting of two protons and two neutrons emitted during radioactive decay, so they are particulate radiation, not electromagnetic.