Home

Physics

Waves and radioactivity

The electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum

Videos

Summary

Exercises

Select Lesson

Exam Board

Select an option

Physics practicals

Investigating force and acceleration

Investigating waves in different materials

Investigating refraction in glass prisms

Investigating I-V characteristics

Investigating series and parallel circuits

Investigating the densities of solids and liquids

Investigating the specific heat capacity

Investigating the specific latent heat of melting ice

Investigating elasticity

Matter

Calculating density

States of matter and changes of state

Specific heat capacity

Specific latent heat

Temperature and pressure of gases

Elasticity and the spring constant

Magnetic fields

Magnetism and magnetic fields

Electromagnetism and solenoids

Motor effect and electromagnetic induction - Higher

Transformers

Electricity and circuits

Electrical charge and circuits

Potential difference and resistance

Components and circuit devices

Series circuits

Parallel circuits

Energy and power in circuits

Household electricity

Electric shocks and safety

Forces and energy

Energy stores and systems

Calculating work done and power

Forces and vector diagrams

Radioactivity

The structure of the atom

Electron energy levels and ionisation

Isotopes and radioactive decay

Half-life and calculating radioactive decay

Irradiation and contamination

Waves and the electromagnetic spectrum

Waves: properties, types and equations

Refraction and ray diagrams

The electromagnetic spectrum

Uses of electromagnetic waves

Conservation of energy

Energy stores and transfers

Mechanical energy stores

Conduction and convection

Energy efficiency

Renewable and non-renewable resources

Motion and forces

Speed, velocity and acceleration

Distance-time and velocity-time graphs

Newton's laws

Gravity and weight calculations

Circular motion and satellites - Higher

Stopping, thinking and braking distances

Momentum calculations - Higher

Working scientifically

The scientific method

Science communication and ethics

Evaluating risks and hazards

Collecting data

Processing and presenting data

Units and equations

Structuring a scientific report and drawing conclusions

Uncertainties and evaluations

Practical skills

Measuring techniques

Safety and ethics

Designing experiments

Methods of heating substances

Working with electronics

Random sampling and sampling methods

Comparing results using percentage change

Explainer Video

Tutor: Madeleine

Summary

The electromagnetic spectrum

​​In a nutshell

All light waves are a type of wave called an electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves form a spectrum over a range of frequencies made up of: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.



Electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed through air or a vacuum, the speed of light. They transfer energy as radiation from the waves' source to an absorber. 


Example

Light waves are a type of electromagnetic wave.



The electromagnetic spectrum

Electromagnetic waves consist of more than just the light humans can see. Human eyes are only able to see the frequency range of visible light.


Curiosity: Visible light is only a very small range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum! 


There are seven different types of electromagnetic waves which each correspond to a certain range of frequencies and wavelengths.


Type

Frequency

Wavelength

Radio waves 
Lowest
Highest
​1 m −104 m1 \:m\: - 10^{4} \:m1m−104m​​
Microwaves
↓\downarrow↓​​
↑\uparrow↑​​
​10−2 m10^{-2}\:m10−2m​​
Infrared
​10−5 m10^{-5}\:m10−5m​​
Visible light                     
​10−7 m10^{-7}\:m10−7m​​
Ultraviolet
​10−8 m10^{-8} \:m10−8m​​
X-rays
​10−10 m10^{-10} \:m10−10m​​
Gamma rays
Highest
Lowest
​10−15 m10^{-15} \:m10−15m​​


Note: The wavelength isn't always given by a range but instead an order of magnitude. You do not need to remember these, just know that wavelength decreases down the table.


Tip: Try and come up with a mnemonic to remember the spectrum. The first letters are RMIVUXG. Some people like to use Raging Martians Invaded Venus Using X-Ray Guns, but bonus points if you can come up with your own!

Read more

Learn with Basics

Learn the basics with theory units and practise what you learned with exercise sets!
Length:
How light travels

Unit 1

How light travels

Light frequencies, prisms and colour

Unit 2

Light frequencies, prisms and colour

Jump Ahead

Score 80% to jump directly to the final unit.

Optional

This is the current lesson and goal (target) of the path

The electromagnetic spectrum

Unit 3

The electromagnetic spectrum

Final Test

Test reviewing all units to claim a reward planet.

Create an account to complete the exercises

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remember the order of the electromagnetic spectrum?

Some people like to use the mnemonic 'Raging Martians Invaded Venus Using X-Ray Guns'. The first letter of each word corresponds to the first letter of each type of EM wave.

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed through air or a vacuum, the speed of light.

What are the types of electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves form a spectrum over a range of frequencies made up of: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.

©2020 - 2024 evulpo AG

Beta