31.0k views
0 votes
Which of the following options best compares and contrasts electromagnetic radiation?

Options:
A. Each type of electromagnetic radiation has different frequencies but each has similar energy.
B. Each type of electromagnetic radiation has different wavelengths but has similar frequencies.
C. Each type of electromagnetic radiation travels at the same speed but has different wavelengths.
D. Each type of electromagnetic radiation travels at different speeds but has different wavelengths.

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The correct option is C, as all forms of electromagnetic radiation travel at the constant speed of light in a vacuum, but differ in their wavelengths and frequencies, with an inverse relationship between the two.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct option that compares and contrasts electromagnetic radiation is C. This is because each type of electromagnetic radiation travels in a vacuum at the same speed of light (c), which is a constant 2.998 × 108 meters per second. However, they have different wavelengths and frequencies. The wavelength and frequency of electromagnetic radiation are inversely proportional, as described by the equation c = λν, meaning that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases. Consequently, shorter wavelengths correlate with higher energy, which allows higher frequency radiation to penetrate matter more effectively.

User NoilPaw
by
8.3k points