Comparing time intervals by converting to picoseconds Steps:

• Convert A: 0.5 ms = 0.5 × 10^9 ps = 500,000,000 ps
• Convert B: 50 ns = 50 × 10^3 ps = 50,000 ps
• Convert C: 5000 ps = 5,000 ps
• Compare values: C is smallest at 5,000 ps Why C is correct:
• 5000 ps = 5 ns, the smallest duration when all options are expressed in nanoseconds (A: 500,000 ns; B: 50 ns; D: 500 ns) Why the others are wrong:
• A: 0.5 ms = 500,000 ns, over 100,000 times larger than C
• B: 50 ns = 10 times larger than C's 5 ns
• D: 0.5 μs = 500 ns, 100 times larger than C

Final answer: C