In the context of the emission spectra, violet light has the highest energy among the visible colors. This is because energy is inversely proportional to wavelength; shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies, which means higher energy photons.
For reference, the visible spectrum ranges from red (longest wavelength, lowest energy) to violet (shortest wavelength, highest energy). Here are the approximate wavelength ranges for colors:
- Red: ~620-750 nm
- Orange: ~590-620 nm
- Yellow: ~570-590 nm
- Green: ~495-570 nm
- Blue: ~450-495 nm
- Indigo: ~425-450 nm
- Violet: ~380-425 nm
In terms of flame color on a stove, the flame can vary in color depending on the temperature and the completeness of the combustion process. A blue flame, which typically indicates a hotter and more complete combustion, corresponds to higher energy compared to a yellow or orange flame, which may indicate cooler temperatures or incomplete combustion (like that produced by burning carbon particles). Thus, the presence of blue light in a flame relates to high energy, similar to the violet end of the visible spectrum, while a yellow or red flame emits lower energy light.