Question

Which type of radiation has a shorter wavelength than visible light does? A. ultraviolet C. infrared B. microwaves D. radio waves

Short answer

Ultraviolet (A) has a shorter wavelength than visible light.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Wavelengths

Radiation types are characterized by their wavelengths. To solve this problem, we need to know which radiation has shorter wavelengths compared to visible light.

Identifying Wavelength Order

The electromagnetic spectrum organizes different types of radiation by their wavelengths. In order of increasing wavelength, the sequence typically goes: gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves.

Comparing Against Visible Light

Visible light falls in the middle of the electromagnetic spectrum. Based on the order, any radiation type with shorter wavelengths than visible light would be positioned to the left of visible light on the spectrum. This means we need radiation that is listed before visible light in the order given.

Finding the Correct Option

Referring to the wavelength order, ultraviolet light, which is listed before visible light, has shorter wavelengths compared to visible light. The other options, namely infrared, microwaves, and radio waves, all have longer wavelengths than visible light.

Key concepts

Wavelength

Wavelength is a fundamental concept in understanding the electromagnetic spectrum. It is defined as the distance between consecutive peaks of a wave. In the electromagnetic spectrum, different types of radiation are distinguished by their wavelength sizes.

• The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy of the radiation.
• Wavelengths are usually measured in nanometers (nm) or meters (m).
• In the electromagnetic spectrum, radiation types range from very short wavelengths, like gamma rays, to very long wavelengths, like radio waves.

Understanding wavelengths helps us classify and determine the characteristics of different types of radiation.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Because they are close in wavelength:

• UV light lies just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum.
• It has wavelengths ranging approximately from 10 to 400 nm.
• UV radiation is more energetic than visible light.

This type of radiation can cause chemical reactions and is known for its ability to cause sunburn. It is often divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC, each with varying impacts on human health and the environment.

Visible Light

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. It occupies a small band within the spectrum but plays a major role in how we perceive the world around us.

• Wavelengths for visible light range from about 380 to 750 nm.
• It includes all the colors we can see, from violet to red.
• Visible light enables the process of photosynthesis in plants and provides the means for vision in humans and animals.

As the dividing point in the spectrum, wavelengths shorter than visible light belong to ultraviolet radiation, while those longer are part of infrared radiation.

Infrared Radiation

Infrared (IR) radiation consists of longer wavelengths than those of visible light. It's one of the key players in everyday technology and nature.

• IR radiation is often referred to as heat radiation.
• The wavelength range is roughly from 700 nm to 1 mm.
• It's widely used in remote controls, thermal imaging, and infrared astronomy.

This type of radiation is crucial for various applications that benefit from its ability to transmit heat, even in the absence of light.

Radiation Types

There is a broad variety of radiation types that make up the electromagnetic spectrum, categorized by the wavelength and frequency characteristics. Each type of radiation has distinct uses and effects.

• Gamma rays: Shortest wavelengths, used in medical and astronomical applications.
• X-rays: Slightly longer wavelengths than gamma rays, largely used in medical imaging.
• Ultraviolet: Causes fluorescence, used in disinfection and curing processes.
• Visible light: Enables vision, making up the colors visible to humans.
• Infrared: Associated with heat, used in heaters and night vision devices.
• Microwaves: Used in radar systems and cooking appliances like microwave ovens.
• Radio waves: Longest wavelengths, used in communication and broadcasting.

The understanding of these radiation types and their respective wavelengths helps in identifying appropriate technologies and precautionary measures for their use.