Which type of wave is known to have the highest frequency?

Gamma rays are known to have the highest frequency among the options listed. Frequency refers to the number of cycles of a wave that pass a given point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz). Higher frequency waves have shorter wavelengths and carry more energy. Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves that occur at the extreme end of the electromagnetic spectrum, with frequencies that can exceed 10^19 Hz.

In contrast, sound waves travel through a medium and are mechanical waves, typically having much lower frequencies compared to electromagnetic waves. Infrared waves, while higher than radio waves and microwaves, still fall below gamma rays in terms of frequency. Microwaves also have lower frequencies compared to gamma rays. Thus, within the electromagnetic spectrum, gamma rays represent the type of wave with the highest frequency and the most energy, making them distinct from the other wave types listed.