Infrared light is best described as which of the following?

Infrared light is best described as which of the following?

• A. Part of the electromagnetic spectrum that consists of waves with frequencies between those of microwaves and visible light
• B. Part of the spectrum with frequencies higher than X-rays
• C. Light that is visible to the human eye
• D. A type of gamma radiation

Answer: (A)

Infrared light lies between microwaves and visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Its frequency is higher than that of microwaves but lower than that of visible light, which means its wavelengths are longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. Because of this position, infrared is not visible to the human eye, though we perceive its heat. It’s not gamma radiation, which has much higher energy and much shorter wavelengths, and it’s not visible light. This placement explains why infrared is described as between microwaves and visible light.

Infrared light lies between microwaves and visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Its frequency is higher than that of microwaves but lower than that of visible light, which means its wavelengths are longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. Because of this position, infrared is not visible to the human eye, though we perceive its heat. It’s not gamma radiation, which has much higher energy and much shorter wavelengths, and it’s not visible light. This placement explains why infrared is described as between microwaves and visible light.