What type of radiation is characterized by high-energy electromagnetic radiation?

Gamma radiation is characterized by being high-energy electromagnetic radiation, which means it has very short wavelengths and high frequency on the electromagnetic spectrum. This energetic form of radiation is produced by the decay of radioactive nuclei, typically during nuclear reactions or radioactive decay processes.

Gamma rays carry a significant amount of energy compared to other types of radiation, allowing them to penetrate various materials, including biological tissues, which is why they are used in medical imaging and cancer treatment. The ability of gamma radiation to penetrate is a direct consequence of its high energy, distinguishing it from other forms of radiation such as alpha and beta radiation, which consist of particles rather than electromagnetic waves.

Though X-rays are also high-energy electromagnetic radiation, gamma rays usually possess even higher energy levels and are emitted from nuclear reactions rather than the electronic transitions that produce X-rays, further differentiating the two. Understanding these distinctions highlights why gamma radiation is the appropriate answer in this case.