11.6 Electromagnetic Waves

Question 1

List the electromagnetic spectrum in the order of decreasing frequency

Answer 1

Gamma, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, radio

Question 2

State the relationship between the frequency and period of a wave

Answer 2

F = 1/T

Question 3

What is the equilibrium position in waves

Answer 3

The resting position for particles in the medium

Question 4

Give 2 similarities all electromagnetic waves share

Answer 4

• They travel at the same speed in a vacuum
• They oscillate in electric and magnetic fields

Question 5

State the wavelength of visible light

Answer 5

From 4 x 10^-7 to 7 x 10^-7

Question 6

Define displacement in waves

Answer 6

The distance from the equilibrium position in a particular direction, displacement is a vector therefore it can have a positive or a negative value

Question 7

State he wavelength of gamma rays

Answer 7

From 10^-10 m to 10^-16 m

Question 8

State the wavelength of microwaves

Answer 8

From 10^-1 m to 10^-3 m

Question 9

State 2 properties of electromagnetic waves

Answer 9

• transverse waves with electric and magnetic field components don’t need a medium to propagate ( to move through )
• they travel at a speed of 3 x 10^8 ms-1 in a vacuum