Arrange the following electromagnetic waves in the increasing order o…

The correct answer is Option (3) → (C), (B), (A), (D), (E)

The energy of a photon is \( E = hc/\lambda \), so the shorter the wavelength, the greater the energy. The typical wavelength ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum are:

(C) Microwaves: about \( 1\,\mathrm{mm} \) to \( 0.1\,\mathrm{m} \), the longest wavelength and the least energy here.

(B) Infrared rays: about \( 700\,\mathrm{nm} \) to \( 1\,\mathrm{mm} \).

(A) Ultraviolet rays: about \( 400\,\mathrm{nm} \) to \( 1\,\mathrm{nm} \).

(D) X-rays: about \( 1\,\mathrm{nm} \) to \( 10^{-3}\,\mathrm{nm} \).

(E) Gamma rays: below about \( 10^{-3}\,\mathrm{nm} \), the shortest wavelength and the greatest energy.

The increasing order of energy is (C), (B), (A), (D), (E), which is Option (3).

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 29-05-2025 (Slot 1).

NCERT (2026-27):
Summary – “… The spectrum of electromagnetic waves stretches, in principle, over an infinite range of wavelengths. Different regions are known by different names; γ-rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, visible rays, infrared rays, microwaves and radio waves in order of increasing wavelength from 10⁻² Å or 10⁻¹² m to 10⁶ m.”