Which of the following best describes the relationship between the energy (E) of a photon and its frequency (ν)?

• A. E is independent of ν
• B. E is inversely proportional to ν
• C. E is directly proportional to ν
• D. E is proportional to the square of ν

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the fundamental equation that relates the energy of a photon (E) to its frequency (\nu): \(E = h \times \nu\), where \(h\) is Planck's constant.
2. Understand that Planck's constant (\(h\)) is a fixed value, so the energy \(E\) changes directly with the frequency \(\nu\).
3. Analyze the options given: if \(E\) is directly proportional to \(\nu\), then doubling \(\nu\) would double \(E\); if inversely proportional, doubling \(\nu\) would halve \(E\); if independent, \(E\) would not change with \(\nu\); and if proportional to the square of \(\nu\), \(E\) would increase with the square of \(\nu\).
4. Since the equation \(E = h \times \nu\) shows a linear relationship, the correct description is that \(E\) is directly proportional to \(\nu\).
5. Therefore, the best choice is the one stating that the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency.