Label each of the following statements as true or false. a. Visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation.
Ch.6 - Electronic Structure of Atoms
Chapter 6, Problem 15c
Label each of the following statements as true or false. c. X rays travel faster than microwaves.

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insert step 1> Understand that both X-rays and microwaves are types of electromagnetic radiation.
insert step 2> Recall that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum, which is the speed of light, approximately 3.00 x 10^8 meters per second.
insert step 3> Recognize that the speed of electromagnetic waves does not depend on their frequency or wavelength when traveling through a vacuum.
insert step 4> Conclude that since both X-rays and microwaves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, the statement that X-rays travel faster than microwaves is false.
insert step 5> Label the statement as false based on the understanding that all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Speed of Electromagnetic Waves
All electromagnetic waves, including X-rays and microwaves, travel at the same speed in a vacuum, which is the speed of light (approximately 3.00 x 10^8 m/s). This principle is fundamental in understanding the behavior of different types of electromagnetic radiation.
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Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, arranged by wavelength and frequency. X-rays have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than microwaves, but this does not affect their speed in a vacuum.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum
True/False Statements in Science
In scientific reasoning, true/false statements are evaluated based on empirical evidence and established principles. In this case, the statement about the speed of X-rays compared to microwaves is false, as both travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
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Third Law of Thermodynamics Example
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Textbook Question
Label each of the following statements as true or false. b. Ultraviolet light has longer wavelengths than visible light.
Textbook Question
Label each of the following statements as true or false. a. The frequency of radiation increases as the wavelength increases. b. Electromagnetic radiation travels through a vacuum at a constant speed, regardless of wavelength. c. Infrared light has higher frequencies than visible light. d. The glow from a fireplace, the energy within a microwave oven, and a foghorn blast are all forms of electromagnetic radiation.
Textbook Question
Arrange the following kinds of electromagnetic radiation in order of increasing wavelength: infrared light, green light, red light, radio waves, X rays, ultraviolet light.