X-rays and ultraviolet (UV) rays are both part of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, X-rays possess a significantly shorter wavelength and, consequently, a higher energy compared to UV rays. The energy of a photon is defined by the equation: \[ E = h f = \frac{h c}{\lambda} \] where \( E \) represents energy, \( h \) is Planck’s constant, \( f \) denotes frequency, \( c \) is the speed of light, and \( \lambda \) signifies wavelength.
Due to their shorter wavelength (\(\lambda\)), X-rays transfer greater energy per photon. This elevated energy allows them to penetrate tissues more deeply, resulting in a greater potential for harm to living cells. Therefore, option (2) is the accurate response.