Which of the following best describes the relationship between the energy of light and its wavelength?

• A. The energy of light increases as its wavelength decreases.
• B. The energy of light increases as its wavelength increases.
• C. The energy of light is independent of its wavelength.
• D. The energy of light decreases as its wavelength decreases.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental relationship between the energy of a photon and its frequency, given by the equation \(E = h \nu\), where \(E\) is energy, \(h\) is Planck's constant, and \(\nu\) (nu) is the frequency of light.
2. Understand that the frequency \(\nu\) and wavelength \(\lambda\) of light are inversely related through the speed of light \(c\), expressed as \(\nu = \frac{c}{\lambda}\).
3. Substitute the expression for frequency into the energy equation to get \(E = h \frac{c}{\lambda}\), showing that energy is inversely proportional to wavelength.
4. Interpret this inverse relationship: as the wavelength \(\lambda\) decreases, the energy \(E\) increases, and vice versa.
5. Conclude that the correct description is: 'The energy of light increases as its wavelength decreases.'