Which EM wave has the highest energy?

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Study for the Georgia High School Physical Science Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, detailed hints and explanations included. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which EM wave has the highest energy?

Explanation:
Energy per photon increases with frequency, so higher-frequency waves carry more energy per quantum. Among these options, gamma rays have the highest frequency (shortest wavelength), which means their photons have the most energy. The energy of a photon is given by E = hf (or E = hc/λ), so shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy. Radio waves have the lowest frequency and thus the lowest energy per photon, infrared is higher, visible light is higher still, and gamma rays are the highest. Therefore, gamma rays have the highest energy.

Energy per photon increases with frequency, so higher-frequency waves carry more energy per quantum. Among these options, gamma rays have the highest frequency (shortest wavelength), which means their photons have the most energy. The energy of a photon is given by E = hf (or E = hc/λ), so shorter wavelengths correspond to higher energy. Radio waves have the lowest frequency and thus the lowest energy per photon, infrared is higher, visible light is higher still, and gamma rays are the highest. Therefore, gamma rays have the highest energy.

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