Which of the following statements is true regarding radio waves?

Gain the confidence you need for the SQA National 5 Physics Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Test yourself with multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Be prepared and succeed in your exam!

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with specific characteristics that set them apart from other types of waves. The statement indicating they have the longest wavelength and lowest frequency is indeed true.

In the electromagnetic spectrum, radio waves occupy the lower end, with wavelengths that can range from kilometers to a fraction of a meter. This length translates to a lower frequency compared to other types of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, ultraviolet, or X-rays. The frequency of a wave is inversely related to its wavelength: as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases.

While radio waves are crucial for communication technologies, they do not possess the highest energy or frequency; that distinction belongs to gamma rays. Radio waves also do not travel faster than all other electromagnetic waves, as all electromagnetic waves move at the speed of light in a vacuum. Lastly, the concept of "particle wave" typically refers to wave-particle duality seen in quantum physics, but radio waves are primarily described by their wave properties.

Thus, the explanation behind the correct choice lies in the fundamental properties of radio waves within the electromagnetic spectrum, aligning with the characteristics of wavelength and frequency.

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