Which of the following lists the types of electromagnetic radiation in order of decreasing energy per photon?

• A. Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays
• B. Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, Microwaves, Radio waves
• C. Visible, Ultraviolet, Infrared, Gamma rays, X-rays, Microwaves, Radio waves
• D. Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, X-rays, Gamma rays, Microwaves, Radio waves

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. The relationship is given by the equation \(E = h \nu\), where \(E\) is energy, \(h\) is Planck's constant, and \(\nu\) (nu) is the frequency of the radiation.
2. Understand that electromagnetic radiation types can be ordered by their frequency or wavelength. Higher frequency means higher energy per photon, and lower wavelength means higher energy.
3. List the electromagnetic spectrum in order of increasing frequency (and thus increasing energy): Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays.
4. To find the order of decreasing energy per photon, reverse the order from step 3: Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, Microwaves, Radio waves.
5. Compare the given options to this order to identify which one correctly lists the types of electromagnetic radiation from highest to lowest energy per photon.