EM

• 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?

  Three times ten to the eight meters per second ($3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$).
• What happens to electromagnetic waves when they travel through different mediums?

  They travel at different speeds, which can lead to refraction.
• How many basic types of electromagnetic waves are there?

  There are seven basic types.
• What differentiates the types of electromagnetic waves?

  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.
• Which electromagnetic wave has the smallest wavelength?

  Gamma rays.
• 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?

  Visible light.
• What gives us the different colors we can see in visible light?

  The different wavelengths within the visible light region.
• What is the mnemonic to remember the colors of the rainbow?

  • Roy G. Biv
  • Red
  • Orange
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Indigo
  • Violet
• What comes after violet in the electromagnetic spectrum?

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

  Infrared.
• Which types of electromagnetic waves can be ionizing and cause damage to cells?

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

  Microwaves and radio waves.
• Where do electromagnetic waves come from?

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

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

  When electrons drop down energy levels.
• What generates infrared radiation?

  Vibrations of the bonds that hold molecules together.
• What happens to electromagnetic waves when they come into contact with something?

  They can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted.
• Can electromagnetic waves be both reflected and absorbed at the same time?

  Yes, a combination of these three can happen.