Physics·Properties of waves · NSSCO 4.3.4
The electromagnetic spectrum
Narrated lesson · press play
Radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma — one family of waves that are all transverse and all travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. We'll put them in their correct order, follow the pattern (frequency and energy up, wavelength down), then learn the main uses and dangers of each part, plus how to stay safe around microwave ovens and X-rays.
What you'll learn in this lesson
By the end you should be able to (NSSCO Physics 4.3.4):
- State the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum and place them in the correct order of frequency and wavelength (radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma)
- State that all electromagnetic waves are transverse and travel at the same high speed in a vacuum, 3.0 × 10⁸ m/s
- Describe the main uses of each part of the electromagnetic spectrum
- Describe the main dangers of the electromagnetic spectrum
- Outline the safety issues in using a microwave oven and X-rays
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