electromagnetic waves

• What is meant by the electromagnetic spectrum?

  The electromagnetic spectrum refers to the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation.
• What are the different types of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum?

  Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet light, x-rays, and gamma rays.
• How are electromagnetic waves characterized?

  Electromagnetic waves are characterized as transverse waves that transfer energy from a source to an absorber.
• What is a practical example of electromagnetic waves in use?

  A microwave oven uses microwaves to transfer energy to food.
• What happens when white light passes through a prism?

  White light splits into a spectrum of colors.
• What part of the electromagnetic spectrum can be detected by the human eye?

  Visible light is the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum detectable by the human eye.
• How does the frequency and wavelength change across the electromagnetic spectrum?

  Frequency increases and wavelength decreases from radio waves to gamma rays.
• What mnemonic can help remember the order of the electromagnetic spectrum?

  Raw meat is very unsanitary except giraffe.
• What does it mean that the electromagnetic spectrum is a continuous spectrum?

  It means that the cutoff point between one type of wave and another is not always clear.
• Do electromagnetic waves need a medium to travel?

  No, electromagnetic waves do not need a medium to travel.
• What is the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?

  The speed is approximately $3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$.
• How do different materials interact with electromagnetic waves?

  Different materials absorb, transmit, or reflect electromagnetic waves depending on the wavelength.
• What happens to microwaves when they encounter food with water molecules?

  Microwaves are absorbed by foods that contain water molecules.
• How do microwaves interact with metals?

  Microwaves are reflected from metals.
• How do light waves interact with black surfaces and shiny metallic surfaces?

  Light waves are absorbed by black surfaces and reflected from shiny metallic surfaces.
• What are the main types of electromagnetic waves in order of increasing frequency?

  • Radio waves
  • Microwaves
  • Infrared
  • Visible light
  • Ultraviolet light
  • X-rays
  • Gamma rays
• What are the key properties of electromagnetic waves?

  • They are transverse waves.
  • They transfer energy from a source to an absorber.
  • They do not require a medium to travel.
  • They travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
• How do the interactions of electromagnetic waves with materials vary?

  • Absorption: Some materials absorb specific wavelengths.
  • Transmission: Some materials allow certain wavelengths to pass through.
  • Reflection: Some materials reflect specific wavelengths.