Question

Electromagnetic radiation with maximum wavelength is: (a) Radiowave (b) X-ray (c) Infraredt (d) Ultraviolet

Short answer

The radiation with maximum wavelength is (a) Radiowave.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation sorted by wavelength. It includes, in order from longest to shortest wavelength: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Identify Wavelengths for Types of Radiation

Examine the order of each option's place in the electromagnetic spectrum based on wavelength. Radio waves have the longest wavelengths, followed by infrared, ultraviolet, and X-rays, which have progressively shorter wavelengths.

Compare Options by Wavelength

Compare the wavelengths of the electromagnetic waves provided in the options: (a) Radiowave, (b) X-ray, (c) Infrared, (d) Ultraviolet. Among these, radiowaves have the longest wavelengths.

Key concepts

Wavelength order

When we talk about the electromagnetic spectrum, one of the key things to grasp is the concept of wavelength order. Wavelength refers to the distance between consecutive crests of a wave. In the electromagnetic spectrum, different types of radiation are sorted by their wavelengths from longest to shortest.

• Radiowaves occupy the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves can be as long as thousands of meters.
• Next come microwaves, which are shorter than radio waves but still retain relatively long wavelengths.
• Infrared radiation follows. It has shorter wavelengths than microwaves but is still fairly extensive.
• Visible light is a small part of the spectrum and covers wavelengths that the human eye can perceive.
• Ultraviolet radiation comes after visible light, with shorter wavelengths.
• X-rays have even shorter wavelengths and are followed by gamma rays, which possess the shortest wavelengths in the spectrum.

Understanding this order is crucial because it allows us to classify electromagnetic waves and understand their properties.

Types of electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic radiation is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes. Different categories of radiation can be identified based on their wavelengths and frequencies. Here are some of the main types of electromagnetic radiation you'll encounter:

• Radio Waves: These have the longest wavelengths in the spectrum, ranging from a few feet to several miles. They're used in broadcasting and communications.
• Microwaves: Shorter than radio waves, these are commonly used in cooking food and in radar technology.
• Infrared Radiation: With wavelengths shorter than microwaves, infrared is mostly associated with heat. It's used in remote controls and thermal imaging.
• Visible Light: This is the range of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It consists of different colors depending on wavelength. Red light has the longest visible wavelengths, while violet has the shortest.
• Ultraviolet Radiation: With shorter wavelengths than visible light, ultraviolet can cause sunburns and is used in black lights.
• X-rays: These have even shorter wavelengths and are used in medical imaging to view inside the body.
• Gamma Rays: Possessing the shortest wavelengths, gamma rays are produced by radioactive atoms and in nuclear explosions. They're used in cancer treatment.

These types of radiation have different applications and effects due to their unique properties.

Comparing wavelengths

When comparing wavelengths, it's helpful to not only know the order but also understand the implications of each wavelength size.

• Long Wavelengths: For instance, radio waves have the longest wavelengths. This allows them to travel long distances and penetrate through obstacles like buildings and mountains which makes them excellent for broadcasting and communication purposes.
• Medium Wavelengths: Types like infrared are used in remote controls because their wavelengths can easily travel short distances without interference.
• Short Wavelengths: X-rays and gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths which have high energy and can penetrate materials that longer wavelengths cannot. This property makes them valuable in medical and industrial applications like imaging and sterilization.

Each range has its unique advantages and disadvantages for different applications. Understanding these differences is essential when determining which type of electromagnetic radiation is suitable for a particular use or application.