What do high energy photons emitted during radioactive decay signify?

High energy photons emitted during radioactive decay are indeed gamma rays. Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that are significantly more energetic than visible light or X-rays. They originate in the nucleus of an atom as it transitions from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, often following alpha or beta decay processes.

Gamma rays carry substantial energy, which is why they are associated with the breaking down of atomic nuclei, a hallmark of radioactive decay. They can penetrate most materials and are a major concern in radiation safety because of their ability to pass through human tissue and potentially cause harm.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent what high energy photons from radioactive decay signify. Potential energy refers to stored energy, while X-rays and infrared radiation have lower energy compared to gamma rays. Therefore, the high energy photons in question can specifically be classified as gamma rays, making the correct answer unequivocally related to the nature of radiation emitted during these decay processes.