Which wave is recognized for having the highest energy?

Gamma rays are recognized for having the highest energy among all types of electromagnetic waves. This is due to their very short wavelengths and high frequencies, which result in greater energy according to the relationship expressed in the equation E = hf, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency.

This high energy makes gamma rays capable of penetrating most materials, which is why they are often produced in nuclear reactions and are used in medical applications such as cancer treatment. In contrast, while X-rays also have high energy, they are not as energetic as gamma rays. Radiowaves possess significantly lower energy and longer wavelengths, which limits their ability to penetrate materials compared to gamma and X-rays. Ultraviolet waves have higher energy than visible light but still fall short of the energy possessed by gamma rays. Thus, gamma rays stand out as the wave with the highest energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.