Electromagnetic Spectrum - Term 4 2025

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, ordered by wavelength or frequency

What are the 7 main types of electromagnetic waves (from longest wavelength to shortest)?

Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays

Which electromagnetic wave has the longest wavelength?

Radio waves

Which electromagnetic wave has the shortest wavelength and highest energy?

Gamma rays

What is the visible light spectrum?

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can see, ranging from red to violet (the rainbow: ROYGBIV).

What are microwaves used for?

Cooking (microwave ovens), mobile phones, and satellite communications

What is infrared radiation used for?

Remote controls, thermal imaging, and night vision

What are ultraviolet rays used for?

Sterilization, detecting forged banknotes, and causing sunburn

What are X-rays used for?

Medical imaging and security scanners

What are gamma rays used for?

Cancer treatment and sterilizing medical equipment

How does frequency relate to energy in the electromagnetic spectrum?

Higher frequency means higher energy

How are wavelength and energy related in the electromagnetic spectrum?

They are inversely related — as wavelength decreases, energy increases; as wavelength increases, energy decreases.