In the context of the electromagnetic spectrum, which of the following has the shortest wavelength?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Prepare for the Texas Surveyor in Training Test with targeted content and comprehensive study materials. Enhance your skills with our multiple choice questions and practice scenarios. Earn your surveyor qualification with confidence!

Gamma rays possess the shortest wavelength within the electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelength is inversely related to frequency, meaning that as the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases. Gamma rays can have wavelengths on the order of picometers, which is significantly shorter than those of microwaves, radio waves, and visible light.

Microwaves, visible light, and radio waves all have longer wavelengths compared to gamma rays. For context, visible light has wavelengths ranging from about 400 to 700 nanometers, which is much longer than the wavelengths of gamma rays, while microwaves have wavelengths that generally range from one millimeter to one meter. Radio waves have even longer wavelengths, which can span from about one millimeter to thousands of kilometers. This hierarchy of wavelength lengths clearly places gamma rays at the extreme short end of the spectrum, highlighting their unique properties and applications in various fields, including medicine and astronomy.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy