How is electromagnetic radiation arranged on the electromagnetic spectrum?

• A. By decreasing wavelength, from infrared to ultraviolet
• B. By increasing energy, from radio waves to gamma rays
• C. By increasing frequency, from radio waves to gamma rays
• D. By increasing wavelength, from gamma rays to radio waves

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the electromagnetic spectrum arranges electromagnetic radiation based on properties such as wavelength, frequency, and energy.
2. Recall the relationship between wavelength (\( \lambda \)), frequency (\( \nu \)), and the speed of light (\( c \)): \[ c = \lambda \times \nu \]
3. Recognize that energy (\( E \)) of electromagnetic radiation is related to frequency by Planck's equation: \[ E = h \times \nu \] where \( h \) is Planck's constant.
4. Since frequency and energy are directly proportional, increasing frequency means increasing energy, while wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency and energy.
5. Therefore, the electromagnetic spectrum is arranged by increasing energy and frequency from radio waves (lowest energy and frequency) to gamma rays (highest energy and frequency).