Shorter wavelengths have higher absorption and lower energy.

• A. Lower absorption and higher energy
• B. Higher absorption and higher energy
• C. Higher absorption and lower energy
• D. Lower absorption and lower energy

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is how wavelength relates to photon energy and to absorption by a target chromophore. Energy per photon is given by E = hc/λ, so shorter wavelengths carry more energy, not less. Absorption, on the other hand, depends on the chromophore’s absorption spectrum; melanin in hair follicles tends to absorb more strongly at shorter wavelengths within the visible to near‑IR range, which is why those wavelengths can be more effective for hair removal.

The statement combines two ideas and flips the energy part, which isn’t correct. In reality, shorter wavelengths have higher energy, and absorption can be higher for those wavelengths depending on the chromophore involved.