Question

Becky made the diagram below to represent ultraviolet rays, radio waves, gamma rays, and infrared rays based on their properties.

Four waves labeled A, B, C, and D are shown. Wave A has the greatest gap between its consecutive peaks and Wave B has the least gap between its consecutive peaks. Wave C has the second greatest gap between consecutive peaks, followed by Wave D.

Which wave best represents ultraviolet rays?

Wave A
Wave B
Wave C
Wave D

Answer 1

Ultraviolet rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and are typically characterized by a shorter wavelength compared to visible light, radio waves, and infrared rays. In terms of the gaps between consecutive peaks of the waves, a smaller gap indicates a shorter wavelength.

Given this information:
- Wave A has the greatest gap (longest wavelength).
- Wave B has the least gap (shortest wavelength).
- Wave C has the second greatest gap.
- Wave D has the third greatest gap.

Since ultraviolet rays have a shorter wavelength than infrared rays, radio waves, and visible light, they would be best represented by Wave B, which has the least gap between its consecutive peaks (and thus the shortest wavelength).

Therefore, the wave that best represents ultraviolet rays is **Wave B**.