The electromagnetic spectrum is organized by wavelength, with shorter wavelengths having more energy and longer wavelengths having less energy. The correct order of the electromagnetic spectrum from shortest wavelength to longest is as follows:
- Gamma Rays
- X-Rays
- Ultraviolet (UV) Rays
- Visible Light
- Infrared (IR) Rays
- Microwaves
- Radio Waves
To elaborate, gamma rays possess the shortest wavelengths, typically less than 100 picometers. They are followed by X-rays, which range from about 0.01 to 10 nanometers. Ultraviolet rays come next, spanning approximately 10 nanometers to 400 nanometers. After UV rays, visible light appears, which humans can see, ranging from about 400 to 700 nanometers. Following visible light, infrared rays range from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. Microwaves extend from 1 millimeter to 1 meter, and finally, radio waves occupy wavelengths longer than 1 meter. Understanding this order is crucial as it helps us comprehend various phenomena, from the colors of light we see to the technologies we use throughout our daily lives.