Absorption of what type of electromagnetic radiation results in electronic transitions?

A) X-rays
B) radio waves
C) microwaves
D) ultraviolet light
E) infrared light

Ultraviolet light has enough energy to cause electronic transitions, leading to the excitation of electrons in molecules and ions. X-rays also have high enough energy for electronic transitions, but they are not listed as a choice. Radio waves and microwaves have much lower energy and are not capable of causing electronic transitions. Infrared light has enough energy to cause vibrational and rotational transitions, but not electronic transitions.