Which of these electromagnetic waves have the longest wavelength?

Answer

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Hint: This question is based on the concept of wavelength. Wavelength of electromagnetic waves is defined as the distance between successive crests of a wave. These waves are generally sound waves or the electromagnetic waves.

Complete step by step answer:
An electromagnetic wave is a wave radiated by an accelerated or oscillatory charge in which a varying magnetic field is the source of electric field and varying electric field is the source of magnetic field. In simple words we can say that the electromagnetic waves are composed of oscillating magnetic fields and electric fields. The abbreviation for electromagnetic waves is EM waves.
Charged particles—such as electrons and protons—create electromagnetic fields when they move, and these fields transport the type of energy we call electromagnetic radiation, or light.
There are basically seven types of electromagnetic waves which are a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. These are radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, X-rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet waves and visible rays. In all these seven electromagnetic waves, radio waves have the longest wavelength and the shortest frequency whereas gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and the shortest frequency.
So, the final answer is that the radio waves have the longest wavelength among all the electromagnetic waves.

Note: There is an inverse relation between wavelength and frequency. This means that the wave with the shortest wavelength has the longest frequency and the wave with the longest wavelength has the shortest frequency. As an example, radio-waves have the longest wavelength but the shortest frequency.

Types of Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves are classified according to their frequency. The different types of waves have different uses and functions in our everyday lives. The most important of these is visible light, which enables us to see.

Radio waves have the longest wavelengths of all the electromagnetic waves. They range from around a foot long to several miles long. Radio waves are often used to transmit data and have been used for all sorts of applications including radio, satellites, radar, and computer networks.

Microwaves

Microwaves are shorter than radio waves with wavelengths measured in centimeters. We use microwaves to cook food, transmit information, and in radar that helps to predict the weather. Microwaves are useful in communication because they can penetrate clouds, smoke, and light rain. The universe is filled with cosmic microwave background radiation that scientists believe are clues to the origin of the universe they call the Big Bang.

Infrared

Between microwaves and visible light are infrared waves. Infrared waves are sometimes classified as "near" infrared and "far" infrared. Near infrared waves are the waves that are closer to visible light in wavelength. These are the infrared waves that are used in your TV remote to change channels. Far infrared waves are further away from visible light in wavelength. Far infrared waves are thermal and give off heat. Anything that gives off heat radiates infrared waves. This includes the human body!

Visible light

The visible light spectrum covers the wavelengths that can be seen by the human eye. This is the range of wavelengths from 390 to 700 nm which corresponds to the frequencies 430-790 THz. You can go here to learn more about the visible spectrum.

Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet waves have the next shortest wavelength after visible light. It is ultraviolet rays from the Sun that cause sunburns. We are protected from the Sun's ultraviolet rays by the ozone layer. Some insects, such as bumblebees, can see ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is used by powerful telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope to see far away stars.

X-rays

X-rays have even shorter wavelengths than ultraviolet rays. At this point in the electromagnetic spectrum, scientists begin to think of these rays more as particles than waves. X-rays were discovered by German scientist Wilhelm Roentgen. They can penetrate soft tissue like skin and muscle and are used to take X-ray pictures of bones in medicine.

Gamma rays

As the wavelengths of electromagnetic waves get shorter, their energy increases. Gamma rays are the shortest waves in the spectrum and, as a result, have the most energy. Gamma rays are sometimes used in treating cancer and in taking detailed images for diagnostic medicine. Gamma rays are produced in high energy nuclear explosions and supernovas.

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