Which type of light has the shortest wavelength?

Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength among the types of light listed. The electromagnetic spectrum categorizes light based on wavelength, and gamma rays are at the high-energy end of this spectrum. They possess wavelengths shorter than 0.01 nanometers, making them more energetic than other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Understanding the arrangement of the electromagnetic spectrum helps in grasping why gamma rays come first in terms of wavelength. Following gamma rays, ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths compared to visible light and infrared light, but its wavelengths still exceed those of gamma rays. Visible light occupies a small portion of the spectrum with wavelengths ranging from about 400 to 700 nanometers, while infrared light has longer wavelengths than visible light, typically ranging from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter.

Hence, although ultraviolet, visible, and infrared lights can all be considered types of electromagnetic radiation, gamma rays are characterized by having the shortest wavelength, which corresponds to their high energy levels. This distinction is crucial for understanding not only the properties of these types of light but also their applications and potential effects in the fields of science and health.