Which of the following is a form of electromagnetic energy that can be described in terms of wavelengths?

• A. Visible light
• B. Alpha particles
• C. Sound waves
• D. Neutrons

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electromagnetic energy refers to energy that travels in the form of electromagnetic waves, which have both electric and magnetic field components oscillating perpendicular to each other.
2. Recall that electromagnetic waves are characterized by their wavelength (\( \lambda \)) and frequency (\( \nu \)), and they include a spectrum of types such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
3. Identify that visible light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and can be described by its wavelength, typically ranging from about 400 nm to 700 nm.
4. Recognize that alpha particles and neutrons are particles, not waves, so they are not forms of electromagnetic energy and cannot be described by wavelength in the same way electromagnetic waves can.
5. Note that sound waves are mechanical waves requiring a medium to travel and are not electromagnetic waves; thus, they are described by wavelength but are not electromagnetic energy.