Photon Energy Comparison: Electromagnetic Spectrum
The energy of a single photon is directly related to its frequency and inversely related to its wavelength. This relationship is described by the Planck-Einstein relations:
$E = hf$
where $E$ is the energy of the photon, $h$ is Planck's constant, and $f$ is the frequency of the radiation.
Alternatively, using the relationship between frequency ($f$), wavelength ($\lambda$), and the speed of light ($c$), $f = \frac{c}{\lambda}$, the energy can be expressed as:
$E = \frac{hc}{\lambda}$
This means higher frequency or shorter wavelength radiation corresponds to higher energy per photon.
Electromagnetic Spectrum Ordering
The given types of electromagnetic radiation are ordered by increasing energy (and frequency, decreasing wavelength) as follows:
- Infra-red ray (Lowest energy)
- Visible-ray
- Ultra-violet ray
- X-ray (Highest energy)
Identifying Highest Energy Photon
Based on their position in the electromagnetic spectrum, X-rays have the highest frequency and shortest wavelength among the given options. Therefore, X-rays possess the largest energy per photon.
Important Questions from Physics
What is the colour of the light emitted by the Sun?
Lightning occur in the sky when two clouds:
With reference to street-lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?
1. Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
2. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer life span than LED lamps.
3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years?
In a pressure cooker, the temperature at which the food is cooked depends mainly upon which of the following?
1. Area of the hole in the lid
2. Temperature of the flame
3. Weight of the lid
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
