Which of the following photons has the highest energy?

• A. A photon with a wavelength of 600 nm
• B. A photon with a wavelength of 700 nm
• C. A photon with a wavelength of 400 nm
• D. A photon with a wavelength of 500 nm

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the energy of a photon is related to its wavelength by the equation \(E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}\), where \(E\) is energy, \(h\) is Planck's constant, \(c\) is the speed of light, and \(\lambda\) is the wavelength.
2. Understand that since \(h\) and \(c\) are constants, the energy \(E\) is inversely proportional to the wavelength \(\lambda\). This means shorter wavelengths correspond to higher photon energies.
3. Compare the given wavelengths: 400 nm, 500 nm, 600 nm, and 700 nm. Identify which wavelength is the shortest.
4. Recognize that the photon with the shortest wavelength (400 nm) will have the highest energy because energy increases as wavelength decreases.
5. Conclude that among the options, the photon with a wavelength of 400 nm has the highest energy based on the inverse relationship between energy and wavelength.