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Waves

The electromagnetic spectrum

  • 5 things to know
  • Papers 2 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on the structure and speed of electromagnetic waves, the order of the electromagnetic spectrum by frequency, and the typical wavelengths of radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Where does visible light sit in the electromagnetic spectrum relative to infrared and ultraviolet?

Key term

State the speed at which all electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum.

Key term

What is the approximate wavelength range for visible light?

Key term

Why can electromagnetic waves travel through outer space where there is no air?

Key term

State the order of magnitude of wavelengths for radio waves.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Describe the structure of an electromagnetic wave in terms of its oscillating fields and direction of travel.

    Model answer

    Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and both perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

  2. 2

    What type of wave is an electromagnetic wave: transverse or longitudinal?

    Model answer

    Transverse.

  3. 3

    State the speed at which all electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum.

    Model answer

    Approximately 3 × 10⁸ m s⁻¹.

  4. 4

    Why can electromagnetic waves travel through outer space where there is no air?

    Model answer

    Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum and do not require a medium for propagation.

  5. 5

    Where do radio waves appear in the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of frequency?

    Model answer

    Radio waves have the lowest frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum.

  6. 6

    Which type of electromagnetic radiation has a frequency higher than radio waves but lower than infrared?

    Model answer

    Microwaves.

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A wave.
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