The primary difference between infrared and visible light is that

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The question asks about the primary difference between infrared and visible light among the given choices.
Option a: 'they have different amplitudes.' While electromagnetic waves can vary in amplitude, this is not the primary distinguishing feature between infrared and visible light. Both infrared and visible light can have a range of amplitudes, so amplitude alone does not define the two regions.
Option b: 'visible light is a transverse wave and infrared is a longitudinal wave.' This is incorrect because all electromagnetic waves, including visible light and infrared, are transverse waves. They propagate with oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to the direction of travel. There is no longitudinal electromagnetic wave in standard free-space light.
Option c: 'infrared travels faster than visible light.' In a vacuum, all electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed, the speed of light. The speed difference is not the distinguishing factor between infrared and visible light, since both travel at the same speed in vacuum (and similarly in air with negligible dispersion).
Option d: 'they have different wavelengths.' This is the key distinction: infrared and visible light occupy different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum and are defined by their wavelengths. Infrared wavelengths are longer than visible wavelengths, placing infrared just beyond the red end of visible light. This difference in wavelength corresponds to distinct energy levels and interactions with matter, making it the primary differentiating factor.
In summary, among the presented options, wavelength differences correctly capture the fundamental distinction between infrared and visible light, whereas the other statements either mischaracterize wave properties (transverse nature) or incorrectly assert speed differences or imply a difference in amplitude as the defining feature.

MUF0122 Physics Unit 2 - Semester 2, 2025 2.5 Visible light

The primary difference between infrared and visible light is that

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