Question

Which wavelength (635 nm or 485 nm) has the greatest frequency?

A) 635 nm
B) 485 nm

Which wavelength (635 nm or 485 nm) has more energy?

A) 635 nm
B) 485 nm

Answer 1

The 485 nm wavelength has a higher frequency and more energy than the 635 nm wavelength because shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies and energies in electromagnetic radiation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between the wavelength and frequency of electromagnetic radiation is defined by the equation c = λf, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum, λ is the wavelength, and f is the frequency. Because the speed of light is constant, a longer wavelength results in a lower frequency, and conversely, a shorter wavelength corresponds to a higher frequency. Therefore, between the wavelengths 635 nm and 485 nm, the wavelength of 485 nm has a greater frequency because it is shorter. Consequently, the wavelength of 485 nm also has more energy, according to the formula E = hf, where E is the energy of the photon, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency. Since frequency and energy are directly proportional, the greater the frequency, the greater the energy of the photon.