Questions: Of the following, the electromagnetic wave with the lowest energy is (A) x rays. (B) ultraviolet light. (C) infrared light. (D) radio wave.

Transcript text: Of the following, the electromagnetic wave with the lowest energy is (A) x rays. (B) ultraviolet light. (C) infrared light. (D) radio wave.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding Electromagnetic Wave Energy

Electromagnetic waves have different energies based on their frequency. The energy of an electromagnetic wave is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. This relationship is given by the equation:

\[ E = h \cdot f \]

where \( E \) is the energy, \( h \) is Planck's constant, and \( f \) is the frequency.

Step 2: Comparing Frequencies of Electromagnetic Waves

The electromagnetic spectrum is ordered by frequency (and energy) from highest to lowest as follows: gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, microwaves, and radio waves.

Step 3: Identifying the Wave with the Lowest Energy

From the list provided in the question:

X-rays have a high frequency and energy.
Ultraviolet light has a lower frequency and energy than x-rays but higher than infrared light.
Infrared light has a lower frequency and energy than ultraviolet light.
Radio waves have the lowest frequency and energy among the options given.