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Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms
Chapter 6, Problem 15c

Label each of the following statements as true or false. c. X rays travel faster than microwaves.

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1
insert step 1> Understand that both X-rays and microwaves are types of electromagnetic radiation.
insert step 2> Recall that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum, which is the speed of light, approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second.
insert step 3> Recognize that the speed of electromagnetic waves does not depend on their frequency or wavelength when traveling through a vacuum.
insert step 4> Conclude that since both X-rays and microwaves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, the statement that X-rays travel faster than microwaves is false.
insert step 5> Label the statement as false based on the understanding that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Speed of Electromagnetic Waves

All electromagnetic waves, including X-rays and microwaves, travel at the same speed in a vacuum, which is the speed of light (approximately 3.00 x 10^8 m/s). This principle is fundamental in understanding the behavior of different types of electromagnetic radiation.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, arranged by wavelength and frequency. X-rays have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than microwaves, but this does not affect their speed in a vacuum.
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True/False Statements in Science

In scientific reasoning, true/false statements are evaluated based on empirical evidence and established principles. In this case, the statement about the speed of X-rays compared to microwaves is false, as both travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
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