Which statement best describes the wavelengths of non-ionizing radiation?

Which statement best describes the wavelengths of non-ionizing radiation?

• A. Longer wavelengths than visible light
• B. Larger wavelengths than that of visible light
• C. Shorter wavelengths than visible light
• D. Wavelengths equal to ultraviolet wavelengths

Answer: (B)

Non-ionizing radiation consists of photons with energy too low to ionize atoms. Since photon energy is inversely proportional to wavelength, these photons have relatively long wavelengths. This places non-ionizing radiation at wavelengths longer than visible light, such as infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. In contrast, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma rays have shorter wavelengths and enough energy to ionize, so they are ionizing. Therefore, describing non-ionizing radiation as having larger wavelengths than visible light best captures the relationship between wavelength and the ability to ionize.

Non-ionizing radiation consists of photons with energy too low to ionize atoms. Since photon energy is inversely proportional to wavelength, these photons have relatively long wavelengths. This places non-ionizing radiation at wavelengths longer than visible light, such as infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. In contrast, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma rays have shorter wavelengths and enough energy to ionize, so they are ionizing. Therefore, describing non-ionizing radiation as having larger wavelengths than visible light best captures the relationship between wavelength and the ability to ionize.