Scenario
Scientists have collected significant amounts of data about the electromagnetic spectrum and wave properties. Some of the collected data can be found in the diagram below.Based on the evidence, write a scientific explanation of the relationships among energy, frequency, and wavelength as they pertain to the electromagnetic spectrum.
Claim
Evidence
Reasoning
Claim: There is a direct relationship between energy, frequency, and wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Evidence: In the electromagnetic spectrum diagram, it is evident that as the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases, and therefore the energy also increases. This can be seen through the progression from radio waves with long wavelengths and low frequencies to gamma rays with short wavelengths and high frequencies.
Reasoning: Energy, frequency, and wavelength are interconnected properties of electromagnetic waves. The relationship can be explained by the equation E=hf, where E stands for energy, h is Planck's constant, and f represents frequency. As frequency increases, the energy of the wave also increases. Additionally, the wavelength is inversely related to frequency, meaning that as the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases. This relationship demonstrates how different types of electromagnetic waves, from radio waves to gamma rays, vary in energy, frequency, and wavelength.