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Which type of electromagnetic wave is invisible, but close to visible light, with wavelengths about the size of a virus or a large molecule (1 raise × 108 to 4 × 107 meters)? A. gamma rays B. ultraviolet rays C. microwaves D. radio waves E. infrared rays

User Marck
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

The electromagnetic waves that meet the criteria of being invisible, close to visible light, and having wavelengths in the range of 1 x 10^-7 meters to 4 x 10^-7 meters are ultraviolet rays.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of electromagnetic wave that is invisible and close to visible light, with wavelengths similar to the size of a virus or a large molecule (in the range of 1 x 10-7 meters to 4 x 10-7 meters), is ultraviolet rays (B). These wavelengths are shorter than those of visible light and are capable of passing through various substances, often causing chemical reactions, such as those that can lead to sunburn. They are more energetic than visible light but less energetic than x-rays and gamma rays.

User Phicr
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Based on the wavelength characteristic, ultraviolet rays are the closest match to the description.

Here's why:

Gamma rays: These have much shorter wavelengths, typically less than 1 picometer (
10^-12 meters), not in the range of a virus or large molecule.

Microwaves: These have much longer wavelengths, typically between 1 millimeter and 30 centimeters, not in the range of a virus or large molecule.

Radio waves: These have even longer wavelengths, ranging from centimeters to kilometers, far exceeding the range of a virus or large molecule.

Infrared rays: These have wavelengths slightly longer than visible light, ranging from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. While technically invisible to the human eye, their range is not as close to visible light as ultraviolet rays.

Ultraviolet rays: These have wavelengths just shorter than visible light, ranging from about 100 nanometers to 400 nanometers. This range perfectly aligns with the size of a virus or large molecule (
10^7 to
10^8 meters).

The correct answer is B. ultraviolet rays.

Question:

Which type of electromagnetic wave is invisible, but close to visible light, with wavelengths about the size of a virus or a large molecule (1 raise × 108 to 4 × 107 meters)?

A. gamma rays

B. ultraviolet rays

C. microwaves

D. radio waves

E. infrared rays

User John Ladasky
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9.1k points

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