Which property is primarily used to define the different types of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum?

• A. Boiling point
• B. Density
• C. Molecular mass
• D. Wavelength

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the electromagnetic spectrum consists of different types of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
2. Recognize that each type of electromagnetic radiation is characterized by a specific property that distinguishes it from others.
3. Recall that properties like boiling point, density, and molecular mass are physical properties related to matter, not electromagnetic radiation.
4. Identify that the key property used to differentiate types of electromagnetic radiation is the wavelength (or equivalently, frequency or energy), which determines the position of the radiation within the spectrum.
5. Conclude that wavelength is the primary property used to define and classify the different types of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.