The diagram below shows the frequencies of various types of electromagnetic radiation.

Question

Which of the following statements correctly compares the frequency and energy of microwaves and visible light waves?

(1 point)
Responses

Microwaves have lower frequencies than visible light waves. Since frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, microwaves also have shorter wavelengths than visible light waves.
Microwaves have lower frequencies than visible light waves. Since frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, microwaves also have shorter wavelengths than visible light waves.

Microwaves have higher frequencies than visible light waves. Since frequency and wavelength are directly proportional, microwaves also have longer wavelengths than visible light waves.
Microwaves have higher frequencies than visible light waves. Since frequency and wavelength are directly proportional, microwaves also have longer wavelengths than visible light waves.

Microwaves have lower frequencies than visible light waves. Since frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, microwaves also have a shorter wavelength than visible light waves.
Microwaves have lower frequencies than visible light waves. Since frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, microwaves also have a shorter wavelength than visible light waves.

Microwaves have higher frequencies than visible light waves. Since frequency and wavelength are directly proportional, microwaves also have shorter wavelengths than visible light waves.

Answer 1

The correct statement comparing the frequency and energy of microwaves and visible light waves is:

Microwaves have lower frequencies than visible light waves. Since frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, microwaves also have longer wavelengths than visible light waves.

Here's the reasoning:

• Microwaves operate at a lower frequency than visible light (typically ranging from about 1 GHz to 300 GHz for microwaves compared to about 430 THz to 750 THz for visible light).
• The relationship between frequency (f) and wavelength (λ) is given by the equation \( c = f \lambda \) (where c is the speed of light). Since frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional, this means that as frequency decreases (as with microwaves compared to visible light), the wavelength increases. Therefore, microwaves have longer wavelengths than visible light waves.

Thus, a correct understanding would note that microwaves have lower frequencies and longer wavelengths compared to visible light.