Which of the following forms of electromagnetic radiation has the shortest wavelength?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the electromagnetic spectrum, which arranges types of electromagnetic radiation by their wavelength and frequency.
2. Understand that wavelength (\( \lambda \)) and frequency (\( \nu \)) are inversely related by the equation: \[ \lambda = \frac{c}{\nu} \] where \( c \) is the speed of light.
3. Recognize that gamma rays have the highest frequency and therefore the shortest wavelength among the options given.
4. Compare the typical wavelength ranges of the options: gamma rays, visible light, infrared radiation, and microwaves, noting that gamma rays have wavelengths on the order of picometers or less.
5. Conclude that since gamma rays have the shortest wavelength, they are the correct answer to the question.