Question map
Which one of the following radiations has longer wavelength ?
Explanation
The electromagnetic spectrum is organized by wavelength, frequency, and energy. In order of increasing wavelength (and decreasing energy), the spectrum consists of gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet (UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwaves, and radio waves [1]. X-rays have very short wavelengths, typically ranging from 0.01 to 10 nanometers. Ultraviolet radiation follows with wavelengths between 100 and 400 nanometers. Infrared radiation has longer wavelengths than visible light, ranging from approximately 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. However, microwaves possess even longer wavelengths, ranging from about 1 millimeter to 1 meter. Among the given options, microwaves have the longest wavelength, as they sit between infrared and radio waves in the spectrum. Radio waves represent the absolute longest wavelengths in the entire electromagnetic spectrum [1].
Sources
- [1] https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/toolbox/emspectrum1.html