Which of the following correctly lists the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order from highest to lowest energy?

• A. Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays
• B. Visible, Ultraviolet, Infrared, X-rays, Gamma rays, Microwaves, Radio waves
• C. Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, Microwaves, Radio waves
• D. Ultraviolet, Gamma rays, X-rays, Visible, Infrared, Microwaves, Radio waves

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, given by the equation \(E = h \nu = \frac{hc}{\lambda}\), where \(E\) is energy, \(h\) is Planck's constant, \(\nu\) is frequency, \(c\) is the speed of light, and \(\lambda\) is wavelength.
2. Understand that higher frequency corresponds to higher energy, and lower wavelength corresponds to higher energy. Therefore, to order the electromagnetic spectrum from highest to lowest energy, arrange the types of radiation from highest frequency (shortest wavelength) to lowest frequency (longest wavelength).
3. Identify the general order of electromagnetic waves by frequency: Gamma rays have the highest frequency (and energy), followed by X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible light, Infrared, Microwaves, and Radio waves with the lowest frequency (and energy).
4. Compare the given options to this order and select the one that lists the regions from Gamma rays down to Radio waves in decreasing order of energy.
5. Confirm that the correct sequence is: Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, Microwaves, Radio waves.