Multiple Choice
Which type of electromagnetic waves has the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency?
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9. Quantum Mechanics
Wavelength and Frequency
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the wavelength and energy of a wave?
A
Energy increases as wavelength increases.
B
Energy is independent of wavelength.
C
Energy increases as wavelength decreases.
D
Energy and wavelength are directly proportional.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the fundamental relationship between the energy (E) of a photon and its wavelength (\lambda), which is given by the equation:
\[ E = \frac{hc}{\lambda} \]
where \( h \) is Planck's constant and \( c \) is the speed of light.
Understand that in this equation, energy is inversely proportional to wavelength because \( h \) and \( c \) are constants. This means that as wavelength increases, energy decreases, and vice versa.
Analyze the options given:
- "Energy increases as wavelength increases" suggests a direct relationship, which contradicts the inverse proportionality.
- "Energy is independent of wavelength" ignores the inverse relationship.
- "Energy increases as wavelength decreases" correctly reflects the inverse proportionality.
- "Energy and wavelength are directly proportional" is incorrect based on the formula.
Conclude that the correct description of the relationship is that energy increases as wavelength decreases, consistent with the inverse proportionality in the equation.
Remember that this relationship is fundamental in understanding electromagnetic radiation and explains why shorter wavelengths (like ultraviolet) have higher energy photons than longer wavelengths (like infrared).
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