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The electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum

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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

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.

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