How does the energy of electromagnetic waves change from radio waves to gamma rays?

The energy of electromagnetic waves increases as you move from radio waves to gamma rays across the electromagnetic spectrum. This change is due to increasing frequency, as energy is directly proportional to frequency.

Here’s how energy changes across the spectrum:

1. Radio Waves
   • Lowest energy
   • Longest wavelength, lowest frequency
   • Used in broadcasting and communication
2. Microwaves
   • Slightly higher energy than radio waves
   • Used in radar, cooking, and satellite communication
3. Infrared (IR)
   • More energy than microwaves
   • Detected as heat; used in night-vision and remote controls
4. Visible Light
   • Moderate energy
   • Can be seen by the human eye (red has lower energy, violet has higher)
5. Ultraviolet (UV)
   • Higher energy than visible light
   • Can cause sunburn; used in sterilization
6. X-Rays
   • High energy
   • Can penetrate soft tissue; used in medical imaging
7. Gamma Rays
   • Highest energy
   • Shortest wavelength, highest frequency
   • Emitted by radioactive materials and cosmic events