Which of the following has the shortest wavelengths and higher energy?

Which of the following has the shortest wavelengths and higher energy?

• A. UVA
• B. Visible Light
• C. UVB
• D. Infrared Light

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is UVB, as this type of ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths than UVA and visible light, and thus possesses higher energy. Understanding wavelengths is crucial in the context of electromagnetic radiation. In general, the shorter the wavelength of radiation, the higher its energy. UVB rays have wavelengths ranging from approximately 280 to 320 nanometers, placing them in a range that is shorter than UVA rays, which range from 320 to 400 nanometers, and visible light, which ranges from about 400 to 700 nanometers. Infrared light, on the other hand, has even longer wavelengths, typically starting from around 700 nanometers and extending into the millimeter range, and therefore carries much lower energy compared to UV rays. This context emphasizes the important relationship between wavelength and energy: shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy levels, which is why UVB is the correct choice.

The correct answer is UVB, as this type of ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths than UVA and visible light, and thus possesses higher energy.

Understanding wavelengths is crucial in the context of electromagnetic radiation. In general, the shorter the wavelength of radiation, the higher its energy. UVB rays have wavelengths ranging from approximately 280 to 320 nanometers, placing them in a range that is shorter than UVA rays, which range from 320 to 400 nanometers, and visible light, which ranges from about 400 to 700 nanometers. Infrared light, on the other hand, has even longer wavelengths, typically starting from around 700 nanometers and extending into the millimeter range, and therefore carries much lower energy compared to UV rays.

This context emphasizes the important relationship between wavelength and energy: shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy levels, which is why UVB is the correct choice.