What can be inferred about longer wavelengths in remote sensing?

Longer wavelengths in remote sensing are associated with lower energy content compared to shorter wavelengths. This relationship stems from the electromagnetic spectrum, where energy and wavelength are inversely related; as wavelength increases, energy decreases. In practical applications of remote sensing, this characteristic of longer wavelengths is significant. For example, infrared and microwave sensors utilize longer wavelengths, which are effective in penetrating atmospheric conditions and vegetation. Consequently, these wavelengths are often employed for applications such as thermal imaging, soil moisture detection, and other analyses where lower energy interactions with the environment are advantageous.

The other choices do not accurately capture the characteristics of long wavelengths: they do not possess higher energy content, are not specifically ideal for photographic analysis which typically requires shorter wavelengths (visible spectrum), and are not limited to detection only by active sensors, as passive sensors can also detect longer wavelengths effectively.