Short wavelength, high frequency radiation carries_____ than long wavelength, low frequency radiation.

Short wavelength, high frequency radiation carries_____ than long wavelength, low frequency radiation.

• A. less mass
• B. more mass
• C. more energy
• D. less energy

Answer: (C)

The energy per photon increases with frequency, because E = h f. Since the speed of light relates frequency and wavelength by c = f λ, shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies. Therefore, short wavelength, high frequency radiation carries more energy per photon than long wavelength, low frequency radiation. Photons have zero rest mass, so mass isn’t the factor here. This higher energy per photon is why higher-frequency radiation can cause greater damage and requires stronger protective measures.

The energy per photon increases with frequency, because E = h f. Since the speed of light relates frequency and wavelength by c = f λ, shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies. Therefore, short wavelength, high frequency radiation carries more energy per photon than long wavelength, low frequency radiation. Photons have zero rest mass, so mass isn’t the factor here. This higher energy per photon is why higher-frequency radiation can cause greater damage and requires stronger protective measures.