Which type of waves have the lowest energy and longest wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum?

• A. Radio waves
• B. X-rays
• C. Gamma rays
• D. Ultraviolet waves

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the electromagnetic spectrum is arranged by wavelength and energy, where wavelength and energy are inversely related.
2. Understand that waves with longer wavelengths have lower frequencies and therefore lower energy, according to the equation \(E = h \nu\), where \(E\) is energy, \(h\) is Planck's constant, and \(\nu\) is frequency.
3. Recognize that radio waves have the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, which means they have the lowest frequencies and thus the lowest energies.
4. Compare other options: Gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet waves have progressively shorter wavelengths and higher energies than radio waves.
5. Conclude that among the given options, radio waves have the lowest energy and longest wavelengths.