Which of the following statements about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct?

• A. Infrared radiation has more energy per photon than X-rays.
• B. Visible light occupies the largest portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• C. Gamma rays have shorter wavelengths than visible light.
• D. Radio waves have higher frequencies than ultraviolet light.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the relationship between wavelength (\( \lambda \)), frequency (\( \nu \)), and the speed of light (\( c \)): \[ c = \lambda \times \nu \] where \( c \) is approximately \( 3.00 \times 10^{8} \) m/s.
2. Understand that energy per photon (\( E \)) is related to frequency by Planck's equation: \[ E = h \times \nu \] where \( h \) is Planck's constant (\( 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \) J·s). This means higher frequency corresponds to higher energy.
3. Compare the types of electromagnetic radiation given: - Gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths and thus the highest frequencies and energies. - X-rays have shorter wavelengths than visible light but longer than gamma rays. - Infrared radiation has longer wavelengths and lower frequencies than visible light. - Radio waves have the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies.
4. Evaluate each statement based on these principles: - Infrared radiation does NOT have more energy per photon than X-rays because X-rays have higher frequency. - Visible light does NOT occupy the largest portion of the electromagnetic spectrum; radio waves cover a much larger range. - Gamma rays DO have shorter wavelengths than visible light, which means higher frequency and energy. - Radio waves do NOT have higher frequencies than ultraviolet light; ultraviolet has much higher frequency.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is: Gamma rays have shorter wavelengths than visible light, because this aligns with the fundamental relationships between wavelength, frequency, and energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.