Question

The energy of microwaves is less than the energy of ultraviolet light. Which comparison of the energies of electromagnetic waves is correct?

Gamma rays have higher energy than microwaves because gamma rays have shorter wavelengths.
Gamma rays have higher energy than microwaves because gamma rays have lower frequencies.
Infrared light has lower energy than X-rays because infrared light has shorter wavelengths.
Infrared light has lower energy than X-rays because infrared light has higher frequencies.

Answer 1

Correct answer: "Gamma rays have higher energy than microwaves because gamma rays have shorter wavelengths."

Reason: Photon energy E = hf = hc/λ, so higher frequency (or shorter wavelength) means higher energy. Gamma rays have much shorter wavelengths (and much higher frequencies) than microwaves, so they are more energetic.