Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the highest energy?

• A. Visible light
• B. Infrared radiation
• C. Gamma rays
• D. Microwaves

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the energy of electromagnetic radiation is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. The relationship is given by the equation: \(E = h \nu\), where \(E\) is energy, \(h\) is Planck's constant, and \(\nu\) (nu) is the frequency.
2. Understand that electromagnetic radiation types differ in their frequencies and wavelengths. Higher frequency means higher energy, and lower frequency means lower energy.
3. Compare the given types of radiation: microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, and gamma rays. Among these, gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and therefore the highest frequency.
4. Since energy increases with frequency, gamma rays have the highest energy compared to visible light, infrared radiation, and microwaves.
5. Conclude that gamma rays possess the highest energy among the listed types of electromagnetic radiation.