Arrange the following electromagnetic waves in the increasing order of their wavelength.
(A) X-rays
(B) Radio waves
(C) Gamma rays
(D) Microwaves
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (C), (A), (D), (B)
In the electromagnetic spectrum, the wavelength increases in the order gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwaves, radio waves (the frequency falls in the same order).
\( \text{Gamma rays: below } 10^{-12}\,\mathrm{m} \)
\( \text{X-rays: about } 10^{-10}\,\mathrm{m} \)
\( \text{Microwaves: about } 10^{-2}\,\mathrm{m} \)
\( \text{Radio waves: above } 0.1\,\mathrm{m} \)
\( (C)\ \text{Gamma rays} \lt (A)\ \text{X-rays} \lt (D)\ \text{Microwaves} \lt (B)\ \text{Radio waves} \)
The order is C, A, D, B.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 30-05-2026 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2026-27):
Summary – “… 6. 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.”