What do x rays and gamma rays have in common?

X-rays and gamma rays both belong to the family of electromagnetic radiation, which is characterized by the propagation of oscillating electric and magnetic fields through space. They share fundamental properties that stem from their nature as electromagnetic waves, such as traveling at the speed of light in a vacuum.

While it is true that they can have varying energy levels and frequencies, these parameters can differ significantly between them. For instance, gamma rays typically have higher energy compared to X-rays. However, the commonality lies in the fact that they are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, enabling them to exhibit similar behaviors, such as photon interactions with matter and the principles of their detection and measurement.

Understanding that both X-rays and gamma rays are electromagnetic radiation helps in grasping broader concepts in radiation safety and its applications in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and other fields.