Which statement is true regarding the energy of electromagnetic waves?

• A. X-rays have lower energy than gamma rays because X-rays have higher frequencies
• B. X-rays have lower energy than gamma rays because X-rays have shorter wavelengths
• C. Visible light has higher energy than infrared light because visible light has longer wavelengths
• D. Visible light has higher energy than infrared light because visible light has higher frequencies

Answer: (D)

The statement that visible light has higher energy than infrared light because visible light has higher frequencies is accurate and aligns with the principles of electromagnetic radiation. According to the relationship between energy, frequency, and wavelength in electromagnetic waves, the energy of a wave is directly proportional to its frequency. This means that as the frequency increases, the energy also increases.

Visible light, which falls within a specific range of the electromagnetic spectrum, has frequencies that are higher than those of infrared light. Consequently, this higher frequency translates to greater energy associated with visible light. In contrast, infrared light, with its lower frequencies, carries less energy.

Additionally, although wavelength is also a relevant factor (with shorter wavelengths corresponding to higher frequencies), the critical distinction in this case rests on the direct relationship between frequency and energy. Thus, highlighting that higher frequencies lead to greater energy accurately reflects the correct understanding of the properties of electromagnetic waves.