Arrange the following electromagnetic radiation applications in order of increasing photon energy, starting from the radiation with the lowest energy to the one with the highest energy.
- 1Radar waves used in satellite navigation and tracking
- 2Radiant heat detected by a thermopile sensor
- 3Radiation used for sterilizing surgical equipment
- 4Gamma emissions produced during nuclear decay
Answer
The correct sequence from lowest to highest photon energy is: Radar waves (microwaves), radiant heat (infrared), sterilizing radiation (ultraviolet), and nuclear gamma emissions.
The photon energy of electromagnetic radiation is directly proportional to its frequency (). Microwaves have the lowest frequency among the listed types, followed by infrared radiation, then ultraviolet radiation, with gamma rays having the highest frequency and thus the greatest photon energy per photon.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Photon energy across the electromagnetic spectrum increases with increasing frequency ().