Electromagnetic Spectrum Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, definitions, wave anatomy, and concepts related to electromagnetic radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Transverse wave that transfers both electrical and magnetic energy, and does not require a medium.

Medium

Matter that energy can travel through.

Transverse wave

A wave that has perpendicular shaping in comparison to the motion of the wave.

Origin

Where the energy wave came from.

Crest

A peak in a transverse wave.

Trough

A dip in a transverse wave.

Amplitude

The distance from the origin line of the wave to a crest or trough; with radiation, it refers to "Intensity".

Wavelength

The distance between two corresponding parts of a wave (e.g., distance from 1 crest to the next crest).

Frequency

The number of complete waves that pass a given point in a given amount of time.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The entire organized diagram of different types of electromagnetic waves, showing that higher energy means higher frequency.