Question

Arrange these types of radiation in order of increasing energy per photon: gamma rays, infrared radiation, radio waves, visible light.

Short answer

Radio waves, infrared radiation, visible light, gamma rays.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Energy-Photon Relationship

The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency, as per the equation \( E = h \cdot f \), where \( E \) is the energy, \( h \) is Planck's constant, and \( f \) is the frequency. Therefore, the higher the frequency, the higher the energy per photon.

Understanding Electromagnetic Spectrum

In the electromagnetic spectrum, from lower to higher frequency (and thus lower to higher energy), the order is: radio waves, infrared radiation, visible light, and gamma rays.

Order from Lowest to Highest Energy

Based on the understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum and the relationship between frequency and energy, we can arrange the types of radiation. Radio waves have the lowest frequency and therefore the lowest energy per photon, followed by infrared radiation, then visible light, and finally gamma rays, which have the highest frequency and energy per photon.

Key concepts

Photon Energy

Photon energy is a core concept that helps us understand various phenomena in physics, especially within the electromagnetic spectrum. Everything within this spectrum consists of photons, which are particles of light that carry energy. The amount of energy a photon has is determined by its frequency—the higher the frequency, the more energy each photon carries.

This relationship can be mathematically represented by the equation:

• \( E = h \cdot f \)

Here, \( E \) represents the energy of a single photon, \( h \) is Planck’s constant (a very tiny number that defines the size of energy packets that photons can have), and \( f \) is the frequency of the photon. Thus, small frequency changes can lead to significant energy differences in a photon, impacting how they behave in different mediums or affect various materials.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation is essentially waves of electric and magnetic energy traveling through space. This type of radiation includes a wide range of wavelengths and frequencies, all part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The electromagnetic spectrum is typically divided into sections, each characterized by different forms of radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each type of radiation behaves differently and has unique applications in science and technology.

• Radio waves have long wavelengths and are used for communication signals like television and radio.
• Infrared radiation is known for its heat-emitting properties, commonly used in remote controls and thermal imaging.
• Visible light is the only part of the spectrum we can see, making up the colors we notice every day.
• Gamma rays, in contrast, have extremely high energy and are used in medical treatments and exploring the universe.

These types of radiation differ primarily in their frequency and therefore their energy levels.

Frequency and Energy Relationship

The relationship between frequency and energy is fundamental in understanding how different types of electromagnetic radiation are ordered within the electromagnetic spectrum.

As stated in the photon energy equation, \( E = h \cdot f \), there's a direct correlation between the frequency of a wave and the energy it carries. To put it simply:

• The higher the frequency, the more energy per photon.
• The lower the frequency, the less energy per photon.

This principle aids in organizing the electromagnetic spectrum. Starting from low-energy radio waves to high-energy gamma rays, each step corresponds to an increase in frequency and subsequently, the energy each photon carries. This systematic arrangement is crucial for applications such as telecommunications, medical imaging, and astronomical observations, where precise energy needs must be understood and utilized.