electromagnetic waves

• What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

  It is the entire range of electromagnetic waves.
• What type of waves are electromagnetic waves?

  They are all transverse waves.
• How do electromagnetic waves oscillate?

  They oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
• What is the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?

  They travel at $3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$.
• How does the speed of electromagnetic waves change in different mediums?

  They travel at different speeds in different mediums.
• What is refraction in the context of electromagnetic waves?

  It is when the wave changes direction as it travels through different mediums.
• What are the seven basic types of electromagnetic waves?

  • Radio waves
  • Microwaves
  • Infrared
  • Visible light
  • Ultraviolet
  • X-rays
  • Gamma rays
• What differentiates the types of electromagnetic waves?

  They are differentiated by their wavelength and frequency.
• How are wavelength and frequency related in electromagnetic waves?

  They are inversely related.
• If the frequency of a wave increases, what happens to its wavelength?

  The wavelength decreases.
• Which electromagnetic wave has the largest wavelength?

  Radio waves have the largest wavelength.
• Which electromagnetic wave has the smallest wavelength?

  Gamma rays have the smallest wavelength.
• What is the range of wavelengths for radio waves?

  They vary from multiple kilometers.
• What is the range of wavelengths for gamma rays?

  They are less than a thousandth of a nanometer.
• What part of the electromagnetic spectrum can human eyes detect?

  Human eyes can detect visible light.
• What gives us the different colors we can see in visible light?

  The different wavelengths within the visible light region give us colors.
• What mnemonic can help remember the colors of the rainbow?

  Roy G. Biv.
• What comes after violet in the electromagnetic spectrum?

  Ultraviolet comes after violet.
• What comes before red in the electromagnetic spectrum?

  Infrared comes before red.
• Which types of electromagnetic waves can be ionizing?

  Ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays can be ionizing.
• What are the two types of electromagnetic waves used in communication?

  Microwaves and radio waves are used in communication.
• Where do electromagnetic waves come from?

  They come from everywhere.
• What can cause gamma rays to be emitted?

  Radioactive decay can cause gamma rays to be emitted.
• What can cause visible light, ultraviolet, and X-rays to be emitted?

  They can be emitted when electrons drop down energy levels.
• What generates infrared radiation?

  Infrared radiation is generated when the bonds that hold molecules together vibrate.
• What happens to electromagnetic waves when they come into contact with something?

  • They can be reflected
  • They can be absorbed
  • They can be transmitted
  • Sometimes a combination of these occurs
• Can some waves be reflected while others are absorbed?

  Yes, some waves might be reflected while others might be absorbed.