Electromagnetic Spectrum

PhysicsAQAGCSEUnit: Waves
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The basics

The Same Wave, Different Energies

📖 The Same Wave, Different Energies

Here's something mind-bending: the light you see, the WiFi carrying your messages, the X-rays seeing your bones, and the microwaves heating your food are ALL the same thing — electromagnetic waves! They only differ in wavelength and frequency. Radio waves can be kilometres long; gamma rays are smaller than atoms. All travel at 300,000,000 m/s through space. The whole spectrum is just one continuous family of energy-carrying waves!
Spotlight
What Are Electromagnetic Waves?

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

Exam tip

Earn the mark scheme marks

🧠 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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