Question

multiple choice
listen
examine the diagram below. how are wavelength and wave energy related?
em spectrum
high energy low energy
4x10⁻⁷ 5x10⁻⁷ 6x10⁻⁷ 7x10⁻⁷
gamma rays x-rays uv infrared radio waves
1x10⁻¹⁴ 1x10⁻¹² 1x10⁻⁸ 1x10⁻⁴ 1x10⁴
wavelength (in meters)

Explanation:

To determine the relationship between wavelength and wave energy, we analyze the EM spectrum diagram:

1. Wavelength Trend: As we move from left (e.g., gamma rays) to right (e.g., radio waves) on the wavelength axis, the wavelength values increase (e.g., from \(1 \times 10^{-14}\) m to \(1 \times 10^4\) m or more).
2. Energy Trend: The diagram labels “HIGH ENERGY” on the left and “LOW ENERGY” on the right. So, as we move from left to right (increasing wavelength), the energy decreases.
3. Wave Pattern: The wave oscillations (frequency) become less frequent (wider spacing) as wavelength increases, which aligns with the inverse relationship between wavelength (\(\lambda\)) and energy (\(E\)) (from physics: \(E = h

u\), and \(
u = \frac{c}{\lambda}\), so \(E \propto \frac{1}{\lambda}\), where \(h\) is Planck’s constant, \(c\) is speed of light, and \(
u\) is frequency).

Thus, wavelength and wave energy are inversely related: as wavelength increases, wave energy decreases (and vice versa).

(Note: Since the question is multiple-choice but options were not provided, the key relationship is inverse proportionality. If options included “As wavelength increases, energy decreases” or similar, that would be the correct choice.)

From the EM spectrum diagram, wavelength increases from left (high energy) to right (low energy). Wave oscillations (frequency) decrease with increasing wavelength. Using the physics relationship \(E \propto \frac{1}{\lambda}\), wavelength and energy are inversely related: as wavelength increases, energy decreases (and vice versa).

Answer:

Wavelength and wave energy are inversely related (as wavelength increases, wave energy decreases, and vice versa).