Which of these electromagnetic waves is most energetic?*1 pointRadio waveInfraredGamma raysX-rays

To determine which of the given electromagnetic waves is most energetic, we can refer to the energy-frequency relation of electromagnetic radiation. This is represented by the formula:

$E = h \cdot f$

where:

• $E$ is the energy,
• $h$ is Planck's constant ($6.626 \times 10^{-34} \, \text{Js}$),
• $f$ is the frequency of the wave.

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the types of electromagnetic waves given: Radio waves, Infrared, Gamma rays, and X-rays.
2. Determine the relative frequencies of these waves to assess their energy levels.

Relevant Concepts

• The frequency of electromagnetic waves generally increases in the following order:
  1. Radio waves
  2. Infrared
  3. X-rays
  4. Gamma rays

Analysis and Detail

• Since energy is directly proportional to frequency, the wave with the highest frequency will have the highest energy.
• From our list:
  • Radio waves have the lowest frequency.
  • Infrared waves have a higher frequency than radio waves but lower than X-rays.
  • X-rays have a higher frequency than infrared but lower than gamma rays.
  • Gamma rays have the highest frequency.

Verify and Summarize

• As we analyzed the types of waves, we established that gamma rays have the highest frequency and therefore the highest energy.

Final Answer

Gamma rays are the most energetic among the options provided.