[Campbell Biology P.241] According to Figure 10.6 and the accompanying text, which of the fo... | Practice Question

According to Figure 10.6 and the accompanying text, which of the following statements about the electromagnetic spectrum and light energy is true?

  • A: Infrared light has shorter wavelengths and higher energy than UV light.
  • B: Violet light photons carry less energy than red light photons because violet light has a shorter wavelength.
  • C: Radio waves have the longest wavelengths and the lowest energy within the electromagnetic spectrum shown.
  • D: The human eye can detect X-rays, which have wavelengths between 380 nm and 740 nm.

Explanation

Figure 10.6 and the accompanying text explain the inverse relationship between wavelength and energy. Longer wavelengths like radio waves correspond to lower energy, and shorter wavelengths like gamma rays and X-rays correspond to higher energy. Visible light ranges from approximately 380 nm to 740 nm, with violet light having shorter wavelengths and higher energy than red light. The diagram shows radio waves on the far right, indicating the longest wavelengths and lowest energy.