Question

which ems wave has a wavelength equal to the size of an atom and is able to pass through soft tissue but not bones? x - rays visible gamma rays ultraviolet

Explanation:

X - rays have wavelengths on the order of the size of an atom (about \(10^{-10}\) meters). X - rays can penetrate soft tissue (like skin, muscle etc.) because soft tissue has relatively low density and fewer electrons to interact with the X - ray photons. Bones, on the other hand, are denser (due to a high concentration of calcium and other minerals) and have more electrons. The X - ray photons interact more strongly with the electrons in bones, making it difficult for X - rays to pass through bones. Visible light has much longer wavelengths (400 - 700 nm) and cannot penetrate tissue. Gamma rays have even shorter wavelengths than X - rays but are more energetic and are not typically used for imaging in the way described (they are more associated with nuclear processes and high - energy physics). Ultraviolet light has wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X - rays and also cannot penetrate tissue in the described manner.

Answer:

X - Rays