To determine the most likely frequency at which a gamma knife produces electromagnetic waves, we need to understand the nature of gamma knives and the typical range of frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum they operate within.
Gamma knives are designed to produce gamma radiation, which is a form of electromagnetic radiation with very high frequency. In the electromagnetic spectrum, gamma-rays have frequencies typically ranging from about [tex]\(10^{19}\)[/tex] to [tex]\(10^{20}\)[/tex] Hertz (Hz).
Here are the given frequency options:
- A. [tex]\(10^{11}\)[/tex] waves per second
- B. [tex]\(10^{16}\)[/tex] waves per second
- C. [tex]\(10^{13}\)[/tex] waves per second
- D. [tex]\(10^{20}\)[/tex] waves per second
We compare each option against the known range of gamma-ray frequencies:
1. Option A: [tex]\(10^{11}\)[/tex] waves per second
- [tex]\(10^{11}\)[/tex] Hz falls in the range typical of microwaves, far below the gamma-ray range.
2. Option B: [tex]\(10^{16}\)[/tex] waves per second
- [tex]\(10^{16}\)[/tex] Hz falls within the ultraviolet (UV) range and is still below the gamma-ray frequencies.
3. Option C: [tex]\(10^{13}\)[/tex] waves per second
- [tex]\(10^{13}\)[/tex] Hz falls within the infrared range and is significantly lower than gamma-ray frequencies.
4. Option D: [tex]\(10^{20}\)[/tex] waves per second
- [tex]\(10^{20}\)[/tex] Hz is within the upper range of gamma rays. This value is consistent with the known frequency range of gamma-ray radiation.
Considering the known spectrum of gamma rays, the most appropriate frequency for a gamma knife to produce waves is [tex]\(10^{20}\)[/tex] waves per second.
Thus, the correct answer is Option D: [tex]\(10^{20}\)[/tex] waves per second.
