Which EM wave has the shortest wavelength?

Solution

Physics sir · 2 steps

Line up the spectrum from long to short wavelength, and gamma rays sit at the very short end.

1. Order the spectrum. Going from long to short wavelength, the order is radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays. Since c = fλ is the same for all of them, a shorter wavelength also means a higher frequency.

   Wave	Typical wavelength
   Radio waves	> 0.1 m
   Visible light	400 to 700 nm
   X-rays	about 1 nm to 10⁻³ nm
   Gamma rays	below about 10⁻³ nm

2. So. Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength, so the answer is (d).

The idea to keep. Remember the order radio, micro, IR, visible, UV, X, gamma. Wavelength falls and frequency and photon energy rise as you move along it.

Answer from the NTA final answer key. Solution by PrepWiser.