How is electromagnetic radiation characterized?

Electromagnetic radiation is characterized by its wavelength, frequency, and energy because these properties define the fundamental aspects of how the radiation behaves and interacts with matter.

Wavelength refers to the distance between successive peaks of a wave, and it influences how the radiation propagates through different media. Frequency, which is the number of cycles of the wave that pass a point in one second, is directly related to how often the wave oscillates. Energy, on the other hand, is related to both wavelength and frequency through the equation ( E = h \cdot f ), where ( E ) is energy, ( h ) is Planck's constant, and ( f ) is frequency. This relationship underscores that shorter wavelengths correspond to higher frequencies and more energy, while longer wavelengths correspond to lower frequencies and less energy.

The other options do not accurately characterize electromagnetic radiation. Mass and charge are irrelevant to electromagnetic waves, as they are massless and do not carry a charge. Shape and size are more applicable to physical objects rather than waves, and while color can be related to wavelength, transparency is not a defining characteristic of electromagnetic radiation itself. Therefore, the combination of wavelength, frequency, and energy provides a comprehensive understanding of electromagnetic radiation.