Which of the following has higher energy level and shorter wavelength?

Concept

For electromagnetic radiation in vacuum, photon energy and wavelength obey E = hc/λ. Since c and h are constants, a shorter wavelength means a higher frequency and therefore greater photon energy.

Application

1. Compare the approximate wavelength bands: infrared is about 700 nm to 1 mm, visible light is about 400–700 nm, and ultraviolet is about 10–400 nm.

2. Among these named bands, ultraviolet radiation occupies the shortest-wavelength range.

3. Using E = hc/λ, that shorter wavelength corresponds to the greatest photon energy among the listed radiation bands.

Contrast

• Infrared radiation lies beyond the red end of visible light and has longer wavelengths.

• Visible radiation occupies the band between infrared and ultraviolet.

• Ultraviolet radiation lies beyond the violet end of visible light and has shorter wavelengths.

• The set-level claim “More than one of the above” does not fit because only one listed radiation band has both comparative properties.

• The set-level claim “None of the above” does not fit because one listed radiation band has both comparative properties.

Cross-check

The spectral order is infrared → visible → ultraviolet for increasing frequency and photon energy, while wavelength decreases in the same direction.

Therefore, the required radiation is ultraviolet radiation.