Which color of visible light has the shortest wavelength?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the UCF CHM1020 Concepts in Chemistry Exam. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations. Prepare comprehensively for your final exam!

The choice of violet as the color of visible light with the shortest wavelength is correct because the visible spectrum of light is ordered from red to violet based on wavelength. In this spectrum, red light has the longest wavelength, while violet light occupies the opposite end with the shortest wavelength.

Wavelengths of visible light range from approximately 380 nanometers (nm) for violet to about 700 nm for red. Since violet has the highest energy and the shortest wavelength, it is positioned at the low end of the visible spectrum. This relationship between wavelength and energy is fundamental in understanding the behavior of electromagnetic radiation, where shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy levels.

This recognition of violet's wavelength position is essential in various scientific applications, including understanding the color of light emitted by stars and the behavior of light in optical instruments.