CIE A Level Physics: Electromagnetic Spectrum Properties and Wavelengths

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Range of all electromagnetic radiation types.

Transverse Waves

Waves with oscillations perpendicular to direction of travel.

Speed of Light

3 × 10^8 m/s in a vacuum.

Vacuum

Space devoid of matter; allows light travel.

Reflection

Bouncing back of waves upon hitting a surface.

Refraction

Bending of waves when entering a different medium.

Diffraction

Spreading of waves when passing through an opening.

Polarisation

Orientation of waves in a specific direction.

Interference Patterns

Result of overlapping waves creating new wave patterns.

Wavelength

Distance between consecutive peaks of a wave.

Frequency

Number of wave cycles per second, measured in Hz.

Ionising Radiation

Radiation capable of removing electrons from atoms.

UV Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light.

X-rays

High-energy electromagnetic waves used in medical imaging.

Gamma Rays

Highest energy electromagnetic radiation, highly penetrating.

Microwaves

Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths from 0.1 to 1 mm.

Infrared Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths from 1 mm to 700 nm.

Visible Light

Electromagnetic radiation detectable by the human eye.

Wavelength Range of Microwaves

0.1 m to 1 × 10^-3 m.

Wavelength Range of X-rays

1 × 10^-8 m to 4 × 10^-13 m.

Wave Equation

c = fλ; relates speed, frequency, and wavelength.

Energy and Frequency Relationship

Higher frequency correlates with higher energy.

Animal Vision

Some animals perceive infrared and UV light.

Frequency Range of Microwaves

3.0 × 10^9 Hz to 3.0 × 10^11 Hz.

Frequency Range of X-rays

3.0 × 10^16 Hz to 7.5 × 10^20 Hz.