Which has the higher frequency, infrared light or ultraviolet light? Which has the longer wavelength? Which has the greater energy?

Key Concepts

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, arranged by frequency and wavelength. It ranges from low-frequency radio waves to high-frequency gamma rays. Infrared light and ultraviolet light are both part of this spectrum, with infrared having longer wavelengths and lower frequencies compared to ultraviolet.

Frequency and Wavelength Relationship

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related properties of electromagnetic waves. As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation c = λν, where c is the speed of light, λ is the wavelength, and ν is the frequency, highlighting that higher frequency corresponds to shorter wavelength.

Energy of Photons

The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength, as described by the equation E = hν, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and ν is frequency. Therefore, ultraviolet light, with its higher frequency, possesses greater energy than infrared light, which has a lower frequency and longer wavelength.