Which has the higher frequency, red light or violet light? Which has the longer wavelength? Which has the greater energy?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the relationship between wavelength and frequency: The frequency of light is inversely proportional to its wavelength, which is expressed by the equation \( c = \lambda \nu \), where \( c \) is the speed of light, \( \lambda \) is the wavelength, and \( \nu \) is the frequency.
2. Identify the position of red and violet light in the electromagnetic spectrum: Violet light has a shorter wavelength compared to red light, which places it towards the higher frequency end of the visible spectrum.
3. Determine the frequency: Since violet light has a shorter wavelength than red light, and knowing the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency, violet light therefore has a higher frequency than red light.
4. Determine the wavelength: Given that violet light has a higher frequency and the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength, red light has a longer wavelength than violet light.
5. Relate frequency to energy: The energy of light is directly proportional to its frequency, expressed by the equation \( E = h\nu \), where \( E \) is the energy and \( h \) is Planck's constant. Thus, violet light, having a higher frequency, also has greater energy than red light.

Key Concepts

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, arranged by wavelength and frequency. It ranges from radio waves with long wavelengths and low frequencies to gamma rays with short wavelengths and high frequencies. Visible light, which includes red and violet light, is a small portion of this spectrum, with violet light having a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than red light.

Wavelength and Frequency Relationship

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related properties of electromagnetic waves. As the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation c = λν, where c is the speed of light, λ is the wavelength, and ν is the frequency. Thus, violet light, with a shorter wavelength, has a higher frequency compared to red light.

Energy of Photons

The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength, as described by the equation E = hν, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and ν is frequency. Therefore, since violet light has a higher frequency than red light, it also possesses greater energy. This principle explains why violet light can have more energetic interactions than red light.