Electromagnetic Wave Wavelength Ordering

The electromagnetic spectrum includes various types of radiation, all traveling at the speed of light but differing in their wavelength and frequency. Understanding the order of these waves based on their wavelength is a fundamental concept in physics.

Understanding Electromagnetic Waves and Wavelength

Electromagnetic waves are characterized by their wavelength ($\lambda$), which is the distance between successive crests of a wave. Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency ($f$), described by the equation $\lambda = \frac{c}{f}$, where $c$ is the speed of light. This means waves with longer wavelengths have lower frequencies, and waves with shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies.

The question asks us to arrange specific electromagnetic waves in order of their wavelength, starting from the longest wavelength and moving towards the shortest.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum Order

The electromagnetic spectrum, in order of decreasing wavelength (and increasing frequency), is typically presented as follows:

Radio waves > Microwaves > Infrared radiation > Visible light > Ultraviolet radiation > X-rays > Gamma rays.

We are given the following electromagnetic waves:

• A. Microwave
• B. Radio wave
• C. Visible light
• D. Ultraviolet
• E. Infrared

Arranging Waves by Wavelength

Using the standard order of the electromagnetic spectrum, we can determine the relative wavelengths of the given waves:

• Radio waves (B) have the longest wavelengths in this list.
• Microwaves (A) have shorter wavelengths than radio waves.
• Infrared (E) waves have shorter wavelengths than microwaves.
• Visible light (C) has shorter wavelengths than infrared waves.
• Ultraviolet (D) waves have the shortest wavelengths among the options provided.

This places them in the following order from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength:

Therefore, the correct sequence of the electromagnetic waves from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength is B, A, E, C, D.

Step-by-Step Derivation

1. Identify the waves: The problem presents five types of electromagnetic waves labeled A through E: Microwave (A), Radio wave (B), Visible light (C), Ultraviolet (D), and Infrared (E).
2. Recall the electromagnetic spectrum order: The established order of the electromagnetic spectrum from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength is: Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light, Ultraviolet, X-rays, and Gamma rays.
3. Position the given waves: Place the given waves (A, B, C, D, E) into their correct positions within this sequence:
   • Radio wave (B) is the first in the sequence (longest wavelength).
   • Microwave (A) follows Radio waves.
   • Infrared (E) comes after Microwaves.
   • Visible light (C) is next.
   • Ultraviolet (D) is the last among the given waves (shortest wavelength).
4. Form the final order: Combining these steps, the order from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength is Radio wave (B), Microwave (A), Infrared (E), Visible light (C), Ultraviolet (D). This sequence is represented as B, A, E, C, D.

This sequence correctly orders the electromagnetic waves as requested.