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Chapter 5: Problem 2

Rank the following in order of decreasing wavelength. a. gamma rays d. ultraviolet light b. visible light e. radio waves c. infrared light

Short Answer

Expert verified
Radio waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation. The spectrum can be arranged from the shortest wavelengths to the longest: gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, microwaves, and radio waves.
02

Identify the given types of radiation

The types of radiation given in the problem are: gamma rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, radio waves, and infrared light.
03

Order the wavelengths

Arrange the types of radiation in order of decreasing wavelength: radio waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, gamma rays.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Wavelength Ranking
When we talk about the wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, we mean the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave. Longer wavelengths correspond to lower energy, and shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy. For this exercise, we need to rank the given types of electromagnetic radiation from the longest to the shortest wavelength. This helps us understand the energy and behavior of each type of radiation. The order from longest to shortest wavelength for the types provided is:
  • Radio waves
  • Infrared light
  • Visible light
  • Ultraviolet light
  • Gamma rays
Remember, radio waves have the longest wavelength and least energy, while gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and most energy.
Types of Electromagnetic Radiation
The electromagnetic spectrum includes various types of radiation, each with unique properties and uses. Here are brief explanations for each type mentioned in the exercise:
  • Gamma Rays: Very high energy, used in medical imaging and cancer treatments.
  • Ultraviolet Light: Higher energy than visible light, responsible for sunburns, and used in sterilization.
  • Visible Light: The only part of the spectrum we can see, crucial for human vision.
  • Infrared Light: Lower energy than visible light, felt as heat, used in night-vision technology.
  • Radio Waves: The lowest energy, used for broadcasting and communication.
Understanding each type helps in recognizing their applications and effects in daily life.
Electromagnetic Spectrum Order
The electromagnetic spectrum covers all types of electromagnetic radiation, organized by wavelength and frequency. It extends from very long wavelengths (low frequencies) to very short wavelengths (high frequencies). Here is the complete order, from longest to shortest wavelength:
  • Radio Waves
  • Microwaves
  • Infrared Light
  • Visible Light
  • Ultraviolet Light
  • X-Rays
  • Gamma Rays
Each type of radiation falls into specific wavelengths and frequencies, contributing to its unique characteristics and applications. For instance, microwaves are between radio waves and infrared light, useful for cooking and radar technology. Visible light, which humans can see, is only a small part of the spectrum, each color representing different wavelengths within it.

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