Arrange the following EM waves in increasing order of their frequency? A. Ultraviolet rays B. Gamma rays C. Radio waves D. Infrared waves E. X-rays Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
C < D < A < E < B
Let's understand the arrangement of electromagnetic (EM) waves based on their frequency. The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, which are forms of energy that travel and spread out as they go – the visible light that comes from a lamp in your house and the radio waves that come from a radio station are two types of electromagnetic radiation.
Understanding Electromagnetic Waves and Frequency
Electromagnetic waves are disturbances that propagate through space or through a medium at the speed of light. They consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.
Frequency is a measure of how many wave cycles pass a point in one second. It is typically measured in Hertz (Hz).
The different types of electromagnetic waves are ordered in the electromagnetic spectrum according to their frequency and wavelength. Frequency ($\nu$) and wavelength ($\lambda$) are inversely related, meaning as frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is given by the formula:
$\nu = \frac{c}{\lambda}$
where $c$ is the speed of light in a vacuum.
Ordering EM Waves by Increasing Frequency
The standard order of electromagnetic waves from lowest frequency (longest wavelength) to highest frequency (shortest wavelength) is:
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared radiation
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet radiation
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
The question asks to arrange the given EM waves (Ultraviolet rays, Gamma rays, Radio waves, Infrared waves, X-rays) in increasing order of their frequency. Let's map the given options to the standard spectrum order:
- Radio waves (C): Lowest frequency among the given options.
- Infrared waves (D): Higher frequency than radio waves, but lower than visible light.
- Ultraviolet rays (A): Higher frequency than visible light and infrared, but lower than X-rays.
- X-rays (E): Higher frequency than ultraviolet, but lower than gamma rays.
- Gamma rays (B): Highest frequency among the given options.
Therefore, the increasing order of frequency for the given waves is:
Radio waves < Infrared waves < Ultraviolet rays < X-rays < Gamma rays
In terms of the labels (A, B, C, D, E):
C < D < A < E < B
Summary of EM Wave Order
| EM Wave Type | Relative Frequency | Relative Wavelength |
|---|---|---|
| Radio waves | Lowest | Longest |
| Microwaves | ||
| Infrared | ||
| Visible Light | ||
| Ultraviolet | ||
| X-rays | ||
| Gamma rays | Highest | Shortest |
Comparing the derived order C < D < A < E < B with the provided options, we find the matching sequence.
Conclusion
Based on the electromagnetic spectrum, the order of the given waves from lowest to highest frequency is Radio waves (C), followed by Infrared waves (D), then Ultraviolet rays (A), followed by X-rays (E), and finally Gamma rays (B).
Revision Table: EM Spectrum Order
| EM Wave | Symbol | Approximate Frequency Range (Hz) | Order by Increasing Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio waves | C | < 3 $\times 10^9$ | 1 (Lowest) |
| Infrared waves | D | $3 \times 10^{11}$ to $4 \times 10^{14}$ | 2 |
| Ultraviolet rays | A | $8 \times 10^{14}$ to $3 \times 10^{16}$ | 3 |
| X-rays | E | $3 \times 10^{16}$ to $3 \times 10^{19}$ | 4 |
| Gamma rays | B | > $3 \times 10^{19}$ | 5 (Highest) |
Note: The frequency ranges are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the source.
Additional Information on Electromagnetic Waves
Each type of electromagnetic wave has unique properties and applications:
- Radio waves: Used for communication (radio, television, mobile phones). They have the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies.
- Infrared waves: Associated with heat. Used in remote controls, thermal imaging, and night vision goggles.
- Ultraviolet rays: Emitted by the sun. Can cause sunburn and are used in sterilization and fluorescent lamps.
- X-rays: High energy waves used in medical imaging (like X-rays) and security scanners. They can penetrate soft tissues.
- Gamma rays: The highest energy waves, produced by radioactive decay and nuclear reactions. Used in cancer treatment (radiotherapy) and sterilization.
Understanding the order of these waves in the electromagnetic spectrum is fundamental in physics and has numerous practical applications.
Important Questions from Electromagnetic Waves
When we draw the variation of the potential energy of a pair of nucleons with their separations, then:
A capacitor of 25μF is connected in series with a DC voltage of 5V. The value of current in the circuit will be:
Peak voltage of a modulating signal is 2 V. The carrier wave is represented by C(t) = 4sin(8πt)V. The modulation index of the modulated signal is:
A slab of material of dielectric constant k has the same area as the plates of a parallel plate capacitor, but has a thickness (3d/4), where d is the distance between plates of the capacitor. The ratio of the capacitance with the dielectric inside it to its capacitance without the dielectric is:
Arrange the following in increasing order of quantum number when coming from an excited energy state:
- A. Lyman Series
- B. Balmer Series
- C. Paschen Series
- D. Brackett Series
- E. Pfund Series
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
