The Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The full range of electromagnetic waves, ordered by wavelength or frequency.

Name the seven groups of electromagnetic waves in order of increasing frequency.

Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays.

What speed do all electromagnetic waves travel at in a vacuum?

About 3.0 x 10^8 m/s.

What type of wave are electromagnetic waves?

Transverse waves.

Do electromagnetic waves need a medium to travel?

No. They can travel through a vacuum.

As wavelength decreases across the electromagnetic spectrum, what happens to frequency and energy?

Both increase.

Which colours of visible light have the shortest and longest wavelengths?

Violet is shortest; red is longest.

Which parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are ionising?

Ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.

Why is ionising radiation dangerous?

It can remove electrons from atoms, damage cells, and increase the risk of cancer.

What hazards are linked to ultraviolet radiation?

Sunburn, skin ageing, eye damage, and a higher risk of skin cancer.

How are electromagnetic waves produced?

By changes in atoms or nuclei, like electrons changing energy levels or nuclear decay (gamma rays).

When electromagnetic waves meet a material, what are three things that can happen?

They can be absorbed, transmitted or reflected.