Higher frequencies are absorbed _____ than lower frequencies.

Higher frequencies are absorbed _____ than lower frequencies.

• A. More quickly
• B. More slowly
• C. Equally
• D. Not absorbed

Answer: (A)

Higher frequencies are absorbed more quickly than lower frequencies because the ways a medium takes up energy depend strongly on frequency. As frequency increases, photons carry more energy and interact more readily with the material’s electrons, bonds, and lattice. These interactions—such as electronic transitions and vibrational or dielectric losses—cause more energy to be converted to heat per unit distance, so the wave attenuates faster. In contrast, at lower frequencies these loss mechanisms are often less effective, allowing the wave to travel farther with less attenuation. So the wave with higher frequency dies out sooner, i.e., is absorbed more quickly.

Higher frequencies are absorbed more quickly than lower frequencies because the ways a medium takes up energy depend strongly on frequency. As frequency increases, photons carry more energy and interact more readily with the material’s electrons, bonds, and lattice. These interactions—such as electronic transitions and vibrational or dielectric losses—cause more energy to be converted to heat per unit distance, so the wave attenuates faster. In contrast, at lower frequencies these loss mechanisms are often less effective, allowing the wave to travel farther with less attenuation. So the wave with higher frequency dies out sooner, i.e., is absorbed more quickly.