Which of the following best describes X-ray radiation?

The choice stating that X-ray radiation has higher energy than alpha radiation but lower energy than gamma radiation is accurate because it reflects the nature of electromagnetic radiation and its classification in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Alpha particles are composed of two protons and two neutrons and do not penetrate materials well; they are easily stopped by a sheet of paper or even the outer layer of human skin. Gamma rays, on the other hand, are high-energy electromagnetic waves that can penetrate deeply into materials, requiring heavy shielding like lead or several centimeters of concrete to reduce their intensity.

X-rays fit into this hierarchy as a form of electromagnetic radiation that possesses a greater energy level than alpha particles. However, they are categorized as having lower energy compared to gamma rays, which is why X-rays are used in various medical imaging applications, such as dental or chest X-rays, where their penetrating ability allows them to pass through soft tissue but not bones, creating a contrast in the resulting images.

This understanding helps to clarify the unique position of X-rays in the spectrum of radiation and their applications in medical and practical fields.