Define the electromagnetic spectrum .

The electromagnetic spectrum is the continuous range of all electromagnetic radiation, arranged in principal regions ordered by wavelength, from radio waves (longest wavelength) to gamma rays (shortest wavelength).

State two properties that all electromagnetic waves have in common.

All are transverse waves All can travel through a vacuum Since they are transverse, they can all be reflected, refracted, diffracted, polarised, and produce interference patterns

How does the frequency of electromagnetic radiation relate to its energy?

The higher the frequency , the higher the energy of the radiation.

Why is high-energy electromagnetic radiation, such as UV, X-rays and gamma rays, harmful to living cells?

It is highly ionising , which can damage cells and tissues and cause cancer.

In order of increasing frequency, the principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are: radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, .......... .

In order of increasing frequency, the principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are: radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays .

State the approximate wavelength range of visible light in a vacuum.

Approximately 4 × 10 -7 m to 7 × 10 -7 m (400–700 nm).

True or False? Different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum travel at different speeds in a vacuum.

False. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum, 3 × 10 8 m s -1 .

A LevelPhysicsCambridge (CIE)Flashcards7. WavesElectromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic Spectrum (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Physics): Flashcards

Exam code: 9702

1/8

0Still learning

Know0

FrontElectromagnetic Spectrum
Define the electromagnetic spectrum.
FrontElectromagnetic Spectrum
State two properties that all electromagnetic waves have in common.
BackElectromagnetic Spectrum
All are transverse waves
All can travel through a vacuum
Since they are transverse, they can all be reflected, refracted, diffracted, polarised, and produce interference patterns

Was this flashcard helpful?

Cards in this collection (8)

Define the electromagnetic spectrum.
The electromagnetic spectrum is the continuous range of all electromagnetic radiation, arranged in principal regions ordered by wavelength, from radio waves (longest wavelength) to gamma rays (shortest wavelength).
State two properties that all electromagnetic waves have in common.
- All are transverse waves
- All can travel through a vacuum
- Since they are transverse, they can all be reflected, refracted, diffracted, polarised, and produce interference patterns
How does the frequency of electromagnetic radiation relate to its energy?
The higher the frequency, the higher the energy of the radiation.
Why is high-energy electromagnetic radiation, such as UV, X-rays and gamma rays, harmful to living cells?
It is highly ionising, which can damage cells and tissues and cause cancer.
In order of increasing frequency, the principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are: radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, ...........
In order of increasing frequency, the principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are: radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays.
State the approximate wavelength range of visible light in a vacuum.
Approximately 4 × 10^-7 m to 7 × 10^-7 m (400–700 nm).
How can the frequency range of a type of electromagnetic radiation be found from its wavelength range?
Use the wave equation c = fλ, rearranged to $f = \frac{c}{λ}$ , where c = 3.0 × 10⁸ m s^-1 is the speed of light in a vacuum.
True or False?
Different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum travel at different speeds in a vacuum.
False.
All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum, 3 × 10⁸ m s^-1.

Sign up to unlock flashcards

By signing up you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Previous:Doppler Effect for Sound WavesNext:Polarisation