Which form of electromagnetic radiation has the shortest wavelength?

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

Answer: (B)

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 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. Identify the relative positions of the given radiation types on the electromagnetic spectrum: microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, and gamma rays.
4. Recognize that gamma rays have the highest frequency and therefore the shortest wavelength among the options provided.
5. Conclude that gamma rays have the shortest wavelength compared to microwaves, infrared radiation, and visible light.