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

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the electromagnetic spectrum, which orders 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. Identify the general wavelength ranges for each type of radiation: - Gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths (on the order of picometers or less). - Microwaves have much longer wavelengths (millimeters to centimeters). - Visible light wavelengths range roughly from 400 to 700 nanometers. - Infrared radiation has wavelengths longer than visible light (about 700 nm to 1 mm).
4. Compare these ranges to determine which type has the shortest wavelength by looking for the smallest numerical value in meters.
5. Conclude that gamma rays have the shortest wavelength because their wavelengths are much smaller than those of microwaves, visible light, and infrared radiation.