What color of light has the shortest wavelength?

• A. Red
• B. Blue
• C. Green
• D. Violet

Answer: (D)

Violet light has the shortest wavelength among the visible spectrum of colors. The wavelengths of visible light range from approximately 380 nm to 750 nm. Violet light, situated at the beginning of this range, has wavelengths that are around 380 to 450 nanometers. In comparison, red light, which is at the opposite end of the spectrum, has wavelengths ranging from about 620 to 750 nanometers, making it the color with the longest wavelengths.

Understanding the wavelength is crucial because it directly influences how we perceive color and how light interacts with different materials. Shorter wavelengths, such as those of violet light, carry more energy than longer wavelengths like red light. This attribute is significant in various applications, including optics and photonics. The distinction in wavelengths also explains various phenomena, such as the scattering of light, which leads to the blue appearance of the sky and the reddish hues observed during sunrise and sunset.