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Ch.8 - The Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Atom
Tro - Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 6th Edition
Tro6th EditionChemistry: A Molecular ApproachISBN: 9780137832217Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTro 6th EditionCh.8 - The Quantum-Mechanical Model of the AtomProblem 40
Chapter 8, Problem 40

List these types of electromagnetic radiation in order of (i) increasing frequency and (ii) decreasing energy per photon.
a. gamma rays
b. ultraviolet radiation
c. infrared radiation
d. microwaves

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1
Identify the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and energy for electromagnetic radiation. The frequency (\(\nu\)) is inversely proportional to the wavelength (\(\lambda\)), and the energy (\(E\)) of a photon is directly proportional to the frequency: \(E = h\nu\), where \(h\) is Planck's constant.
Recognize that electromagnetic radiation types are ordered by frequency from lowest to highest as follows: microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, gamma rays.
For increasing frequency, arrange the given types of radiation: microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, gamma rays.
Understand that energy per photon is directly proportional to frequency, so the order of decreasing energy per photon is the same as decreasing frequency.
For decreasing energy per photon, arrange the given types of radiation: gamma rays, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, microwaves.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, arranged by wavelength and frequency. It includes gamma rays, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation, and microwaves, among others. Understanding the spectrum is crucial for determining the order of these types of radiation based on their frequency and energy.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum

Frequency and Energy Relationship

The frequency of electromagnetic radiation is inversely related to its wavelength and directly related to its energy. Higher frequency radiation, such as gamma rays, has more energy per photon compared to lower frequency radiation, like microwaves. This relationship is described by the equation E = hν, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and ν is frequency.
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Frequency-Wavelength Relationship

Order of Electromagnetic Radiation

When listing types of electromagnetic radiation by increasing frequency, the order is typically: microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, and gamma rays. Conversely, when ordered by decreasing energy per photon, the same sequence applies, as higher frequency corresponds to higher energy. This order is essential for understanding the properties and applications of different types of radiation.
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Electromagnetic Radiation Example
Related Practice
Textbook Question

List these types of electromagnetic radiation in order of (ii) increasing energy per photon.

a. visible light

b. radio waves

c. X-ray

d. ultraviolet radiation

Textbook Question

Calculate the energy of a photon of each wavelength and state what part of the electromagnetic spectrum is associated with the wavelength.

a. 105 nm

b. 715 nm

c. 2.52 cm

Textbook Question

The nearest star to our sun is Proxima Centauri, at a distance of 4.3 light-years from the sun. A light-year is the distance that light travels in one year (365 days). How far away, in km, is Proxima Centauri from the sun?

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Textbook Question

Calculate the energy of a photon of each frequency and state what part of the electromagnetic spectrum is associated with the frequency.

a. 15.77×1017 Hz

b. 1.18×1014 Hz

c. 3.00×1020 Hz

Textbook Question

The distance from the sun to Earth is 1.496×108 km. How long does it take light to travel from the sun to Earth?

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Textbook Question

Calculate the frequency of each wavelength of electromagnetic radiation: a. 632.8 nm (wavelength of red light from helium–neon laser) b. 503 nm (wavelength of maximum solar radiation) c. 0.052 nm (wavelength contained in medical X-rays)