The Same Wave, Different Energies
📖 The Same Wave, Different Energies
Electromagnetic (EM) waves are transverse waves consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each other and to the direction of travel. Unlike sound waves, they do not need particles to travel through — they can cross a complete vacuum. This is why sunlight can reach Earth across 150 millio
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🧠 Memory Aid
Order of EM spectrum (low to high frequency):
"Raging Martians Invaded Venus Using X-ray Guns"
Radio — Microwave — Infrared — Visible — Ultraviolet — X-ray — Gamma
Which end is dangerous? The "Gun" end (gamma/X-ray) — high frequency, high energy, ionising.
Visible light colours: Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet — "Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain"
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 17
What is the speed of all electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?
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This topic in real past papers
Every real exam question we've found on electromagnetic spectrum, with a full worked answer.