Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the shortest wavelengths?

• A. Ultraviolet light
• B. Infrared radiation
• C. Microwaves
• D. Gamma rays

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the electromagnetic spectrum, which organizes types of electromagnetic radiation by their wavelengths and frequencies.
2. Understand that wavelength and frequency are inversely related, described by the equation \(\lambda = \frac{c}{\nu}\), where \(\lambda\) is wavelength, \(c\) is the speed of light, and \(\nu\) is frequency.
3. Recognize that gamma rays have the highest frequencies and therefore the shortest wavelengths among the listed types of radiation.
4. Compare the given options: ultraviolet light, infrared radiation, and microwaves, noting that their wavelengths increase in that order, but all are longer than gamma rays.
5. Conclude that gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths because they possess the highest energy and frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum.