Which of the following types of electromagnetic radiation has the least energy?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the energy of electromagnetic radiation is directly proportional to its frequency, given by the equation \(E = h \nu\), where \(E\) is energy, \(h\) is Planck's constant, and \(\nu\) (nu) is the frequency.
2. Understand that electromagnetic waves with higher frequency have higher energy, and those with lower frequency have lower energy.
3. Identify the relative frequencies of the given types of electromagnetic radiation: Gamma rays have the highest frequency, followed by Ultraviolet light, then Visible light, and Radio waves have the lowest frequency.
4. Since energy is proportional to frequency, the type of electromagnetic radiation with the least energy will be the one with the lowest frequency.
5. Conclude that among the options, Radio waves have the lowest frequency and therefore the least energy.