Which type of electromagnetic wave has the highest frequency?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the relationship between frequency (\( f \)) and wavelength (\( \lambda \)) of electromagnetic waves, which is given by the equation: \[ f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \] where \( c \) is the speed of light (approximately \( 3.00 \times 10^{8} \, \text{m/s} \)).
2. Understand that electromagnetic waves are arranged in the electromagnetic spectrum in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.
3. Identify that among the options given (infrared radiation, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, microwaves), gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and therefore the highest frequency according to the formula \( f = \frac{c}{\lambda} \).
4. Recognize that higher frequency corresponds to higher energy photons, which is why gamma rays are more energetic than ultraviolet light, infrared radiation, and microwaves.
5. Conclude that gamma rays have the highest frequency among the listed electromagnetic waves.