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 (
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 (
to
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