The diagram below is of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Question

Image

Which feature best distinguishes one form of electromagnetic energy from another?

A.
energy increases from gamma rays to radio waves

B.
wavelength

C.
distance traveled

D.
surface temperature

Answer 1

The feature that best distinguishes one form of electromagnetic energy from another is:

B. wavelength

Different types of electromagnetic radiation are categorized primarily based on their wavelengths. While energy and frequency are also related to wavelength, it is the wavelength that directly classifies the various forms of electromagnetic energy (such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays).