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QuizMultiple Choice

The Electromagnetic Spectrum — Quiz

Question 1 • Physical Science

The energy of microwaves is less than the energy of ultraviolet light. Which comparison of the energies of electromagnetic waves is correct?

Answer
A
Infrared light has lower energy than X-rays because infrared light has shorter wavelengths.
B
Gamma rays have higher energy than microwaves because gamma rays have shorter wavelengths.
C
Infrared light has lower energy than X-rays because infrared light has higher frequencies.
D
Gamma rays have higher energy than microwaves because gamma rays have lower frequencies.

Explanation

The energy of an electromagnetic wave increases with its frequency and decreases as its wavelength gets longer. Gamma rays have much shorter wavelengths than microwaves, so gamma rays have higher energy. Choice D gives the correct comparison and reason; choice C is wrong because gamma rays have higher, not lower, frequencies than microwaves.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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