6.2.1 - Types of Electromagnetic Waves

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that transfer energy from the source of the waves to an absorber.

What type of spectrum do electromagnetic waves form?

A continuous spectrum.

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that transfer energy from the source of the waves to an absorber.

What type of spectrum do electromagnetic waves form?

A continuous spectrum.

Order the types of electromagnetic radiation from lowest to highest frequency.

• Radio Waves

• Microwaves

• Infrared

• Visible Light

• Ultraviolet

• X-rays

• Gamma Rays

Order the types of electromagnetic radiation from shortest to longest wavelength.

• Gamma Rays

• X-rays

• Ultraviolet

• Visible Light

• Infrared

• Microwaves

• Radio Waves

How do the speeds of EM radiation differ in a vacuum and in air?

Electromagnetic waves all travel at the same velocity in a vacuum and in air.

Which electromagnetic radiation can we detect?

Our eyes only detect visible light and so detect a limited range of electromagnetic waves.