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Ch.8 - The Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Atom
Tro - Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 5th Edition
Tro5th EditionChemistry: A Molecular ApproachISBN: 9780134874371Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 8, Problem 37b

List these types of electromagnetic radiation in order of (ii) increasing energy per photon. a. radio waves b. microwaves c. infrared radiation d. ultraviolet radiation

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1
Identify the types of electromagnetic radiation given in the problem: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation.
Recall that the energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. This relationship can be expressed by the equation: \( E = h \nu \), where \( E \) is the energy, \( h \) is Planck's constant, and \( \nu \) is the frequency.
Understand that in the electromagnetic spectrum, the frequency increases (and thus the wavelength decreases) as we move from radio waves to ultraviolet radiation.
Arrange the given types of electromagnetic radiation in order of increasing frequency: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation.
Since the energy of a photon increases with increasing frequency, the order of increasing energy per photon will be the same as the order of increasing frequency.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, arranged by wavelength and frequency. It ranges from long-wavelength radio waves to short-wavelength gamma rays. Each type of radiation has distinct properties and applications, with energy inversely related to wavelength.
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Photon Energy

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. This means that higher frequency radiation, such as ultraviolet light, carries more energy per photon than lower frequency radiation, like radio waves.
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Order of Electromagnetic Radiation

When listing types of electromagnetic radiation by increasing energy per photon, the order is determined by their frequencies. Starting from the lowest energy, the sequence is radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation. This order reflects the increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength of the radiation types.
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