Final answer:
The statement is true; shorter wavelengths in electromagnetic waves indicate higher energy due to the inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that waves with shorter wavelength have more energy is true. This principle applies universally across the electromagnetic spectrum. It can be explained by considering the relationship between energy, frequency, and wavelength. In electromagnetic radiation, these three properties are interconnected. The energy of the wave is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. In other words, as the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases and so does the wave's energy.
Consider the analogy of a heavy rope. It requires more effort to produce short, tight waves in the rope than it does to produce long, looser waves. Similarly, in terms of electromagnetic radiation, short, tight waves (shorter wavelengths) are indicative of higher energy. This concept is essential in understanding why higher-energy waves, like X-rays and ultraviolet (UV) light, can penetrate tissues and potentially cause damage to cells and DNA.
Furthermore, according to the photoelectric effect, increasing the frequency of light increases the kinetic energy of ejected electrons, demonstrating a direct link between frequency and energy.