Arrange the following types of photons of electromagnetic radiation in order of increasing frequency: visible light, radio waves, ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation.

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation commonly associated with broadcasting signals for radios, televisions, and other forms of communication. They occupy the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with the longest wavelengths and therefore, the lowest frequencies.

Typically, radio wavelengths can range from a few millimeters to several kilometers. A key characteristic of radio waves is their ability to penetrate through various materials, which enables them to transmit information over long distances without significant loss. Frequencies in this band range from about 3 kHz to 300 GHz. In everyday life, apart from broadcasting, radio waves are used in technologies like wireless networks and microwave ovens.

Infrared radiation lies just beyond the visible spectrum, with wavelengths shorter than those of radio waves but longer than visible light. This type of electromagnetic radiation is not visible to the human eye but can be felt as heat. Infrared waves are emitted by any object that has temperature, including the human body, and they play a crucial role in thermal imaging and remote controls.

The frequency of infrared radiation is higher than that of radio waves, spanning from approximately 300 GHz to 400 THz. This radiation is also utilized for fiber-optic communication and in various sensors and astronomy applications, due to its ability to penetrate dust and gas clouds in space that may block visible light.

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is detectable by the human eye. It lies between infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation in the spectrum. Visible light wavelengths range from approximately 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red), corresponding to frequencies between about 790 THz and 405 THz.

Visible light photons are the ones with which we are most familiar, as they enable us to perceive the world around us in color. They are responsible for the various phenomena of light, including refraction, diffraction, and the entire field of optics. The sun emits a large amount of visible light, which is critical for the process of photosynthesis in plants and for maintaining the Earth's temperature.

Ultraviolet radiation, or UV light, is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays. UV light is divided into several categories based on wavelength, including UVA, UVB, and UVC – with UVA having the longest wavelengths and UVC the shortest.

With frequencies ranging from 30 PHz to 750 THz, ultraviolet radiation is invisible to the human eye and can cause chemical reactions. It is known for its ability to induce a suntan or sunburn on human skin and plays an essential role in the formation of vitamin D. However, excessive exposure to UV light can also damage living tissues and increase the risk of skin cancer. This type of radiation is used in various applications, including sterilization, fluorescent lamps, and also to detect forgery of banknotes.