Which of the following types of electromagnetic radiation has the lowest frequency?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the relationship between frequency (\( \nu \)) and wavelength (\( \lambda \)) of electromagnetic radiation, which is given by the equation: \[ \nu = \frac{c}{\lambda} \] where \( c \) is the speed of light (approximately \( 3.00 \times 10^{8} \, \text{m/s} \)).
2. Understand that electromagnetic radiation types differ primarily in their wavelengths and frequencies. Longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies, and shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies.
3. Identify the typical wavelength ranges for the given types of radiation: - Gamma rays have very short wavelengths (highest frequency). - Ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths than visible light but longer than gamma rays. - Infrared radiation has longer wavelengths than visible light but shorter than radio waves. - Radio waves have the longest wavelengths among these options.
4. Since frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength, the type of electromagnetic radiation with the longest wavelength will have the lowest frequency.
5. Compare the options and conclude that radio waves, having the longest wavelength, must have the lowest frequency among the listed types of electromagnetic radiation.