Electromagnetic Waves
Otherwise known as an "EM" wave
What is an electromagnetic wave?
An electromagnetic wave is a wave that travels at the speed of light and consists of a combined electric and magnetic effect. They can travel through a vacuum, like space, and unlike mechanical waves, they do not need a medium.
What kind of disturbance creates an EM wave
Electromagnetic Waves vs. Mechanical Waves
Ranges of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Microwaves- Microwaves, like radio waves, have long wavelengths. They also have slightly higher frequencies than radio waves, as well as slightly higher energy.
Infrared- This wave has a broad range of possible wavelengths and frequencies, including far-infrared, mid-infrared, and near-infrared. The wavelengths range from 300 GHz to 400 THz. As the wavelengths get shorter, the frequency starts to get higher.
Visible Light- The colors of the rainbow included in the visible light spectrum each have different wavelengths and frequencies, with violet having the shortest and red having the longest. Violet has the highest frequency, and red has the lowest. All colors have higher energy than infrared waves.
Ultra-Violet- These waves have shorter wavelengths than visible light waves, but are invisible to the human eye. These waves also have higher frequencies than visible light waves. The energy is very high.
X-Ray- X-rays have much higher frequencies, and much shorter wavelengths than ultra-violet rays. They are more often referred to by scientists by how high their energy is.
Gamma Ray- These waves have the highest energy, shortest wavelengths, and highest frequency out of all the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. Gamma rays are generated by nuclear explosions on earth.