Problem 17 - Chemistry: The Central Science in SI Units, Global Edition

Question

Arrange the following kinds of electromagnetic radiation in order of increasing wavelength: infrared, green light, red light, radio waves, X rays, ultraviolet light.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

X rays, Ultraviolet light, Green light, Red light, Infrared, Radio waves.

Step 1: Remember the electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of wavelengths, frequencies, and energies of all possible electromagnetic waves. From low frequency/long wavelength to high frequency/short wavelength, the types of waves are: Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet), Ultraviolet light, X rays, and Gamma rays.

Step 2: Identify the positions of the given radiation types

According to the electromagnetic spectrum, the given types of radiation have the following positions: 1. Radio waves 2. Infrared 3. Visible light (including red and green light) 4. Ultraviolet light 5. X rays

Step 3: Arrange in order of increasing wavelength

As we move from low frequency/long wavelength to high frequency/short wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum: 1. Radio waves have the longest wavelength among the given radiation types. 2. Infrared has the next longest wavelength. 3. Visible light, including red and green light, has wavelengths shorter than infrared. Red light has a longer wavelength than green light. 4. Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength than visible light. 5. X rays have the shortest wavelength among the given radiation types.

Step 4: Write the final order

Based on our knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum, the given radiation types can be arranged in order of increasing wavelength as follows: X rays, Ultraviolet light, Green light, Red light, Infrared, Radio waves.

Key Concepts

Wavelength

Wavelength is a fundamental concept when it comes to understanding the electromagnetic spectrum. Essentially, a wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) of a wave. It is usually measured in meters, centimeters, or nanometers.

• Longer wavelengths correspond to lower energy and frequency.
• Shorter wavelengths have higher energy and frequency.

This concept is key to arranging different types of electromagnetic radiation in order of increasing wavelength. When comparing two types of radiation, the one with longer wavelength will have lower energy.
Understanding how wavelength relates to energy and frequency helps explain why radio waves and X-rays appear on opposite ends of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radio waves have long wavelengths, while X-rays have short wavelengths, indicating higher energy levels.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation encompasses all types of electromagnetic waves, regardless of whether we can see them. These waves travel through space at the speed of light and vary widely in wavelength and frequency.

• Radio waves are on one extreme, with long wavelengths and low frequencies.
• Gamma rays are on the opposite extreme, featuring very short wavelengths and high frequencies.

Each type of electromagnetic radiation has unique properties and applications.
For example:

• Radio waves are used for broadcasting signals, like music and news.
• Infrared radiation is often used in remote controls and thermal imaging.
• Ultraviolet light can cause sunburn, but also helps in the production of Vitamin D.

Understanding electromagnetic radiation helps in harnessing its properties for various technological advances and daily applications.

Visible Light

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is detectable by the human eye. It ranges from approximately 400 nanometers (violet) to 700 nanometers (red) in wavelength.

• Red light has the longest wavelength within visible light, at around 700 nanometers.
• Violet light has the shortest, at about 400 nanometers.

In between these extremes, we have the familiar colors of the rainbow: orange, yellow, green, blue, and indigo. This range of colors is what we refer to when we talk about 'visible light.'
Our understanding of visible light is not just limited to its beauty—it is crucial in areas like photography, art, and optical technology. Using this knowledge, it's easier to determine the sequence of light waves in the electromagnetic spectrum, from red light's longer wavelengths to violet light's shorter wavelengths.