What is the highest frequency of electromagnetic radiation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the highest frequency of electromagnetic radiation, specifically exploring the limits of frequency and the relationship to the Planck length. Participants speculate on the implications of quantum gravity and the observed maximum frequency of gamma rays.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the frequency of electromagnetic radiation may be limited, speculating that it could be related to the Planck length, which leads to a calculated frequency of approximately 1.855 * 10^43 Hz.
  • Others argue that the maximum observed frequency of gamma rays is 3 * 10^20 Hz, but this does not necessarily indicate the highest frequency that is physically possible.
  • A later reply questions the connection between quantum gravity and the limits of electromagnetic radiation frequency, seeking clarification on how these concepts are related.
  • Some participants acknowledge that there is currently no confirmed theory of quantum gravity, which adds uncertainty to the speculation regarding frequency limits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the highest observed frequency of gamma rays is 3 * 10^20 Hz, but multiple competing views remain regarding the theoretical limits of electromagnetic radiation frequency and its relation to quantum gravity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the speculative nature of the relationship between electromagnetic radiation frequency and the Planck length, as well as the lack of a confirmed theory of quantum gravity, which introduces uncertainty into the claims made.

enter
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Title says it all.

Also, if the frequency of electromagnetic radiation is limited, why? My guess is the wavelength is limited to the Planck length, and when I plug those numbers into the calculator, I get 1.855 * 10^43 Hz. The maximum (Edit: observed) frequency of a gamma ray is 3 * 10^20 Hz though.
 
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enter said:
Title says it all.

And here is the short answer: we don't know.

enter said:
My guess is the wavelength is limited to the Planck length

This is a fairly common speculation in quantum gravity, but we don't have a confirmed theory of quantum gravity so we don't know if this speculation is correct.

enter said:
The maximum frequency of a gamma ray is 3 * 10^20 Hz though.

You mean, the highest frequency of a gamma ray that we have observed is 3 * 10^20 Hz. That doesn't mean that's the highest frequency that is physically possible.
 
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PeterDonis said:
And here is the short answer: we don't know.
This is a fairly common speculation in quantum gravity, but we don't have a confirmed theory of quantum gravity so we don't know if this speculation is correct.
You mean, the highest frequency of a gamma ray that we have observed is 3 * 10^20 Hz. That doesn't mean that's the highest frequency that is physically possible.
Yeah, I misstated the gamma ray part.

I don't understand, how is quantum gravity related to this?
 
enter said:
how is quantum gravity related to this?

It's related to your guess that the minimum wavelength for EM radiation is related to the Planck length, as I said in post #2.
 

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