Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 3.5.1
Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum. To simplify things, we assume that the speed of electromagnetic waves in air is the same as that in a vacuum.
Wavelength vs frequency
- As you move from gamma rays to radio waves, the wavelengths increase and the frequencies decrease.
- Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency.
- Radio waves have the longest wavelength and the lowest frequency.
Wave energy
Gamma rays also carry the most amount of energy than any other wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Seven types of wave
- The electromagnetic spectrum can be split into seven types of wave.
- In order of highest frequency to lowest the seven types are: gamma, X-ray, ultraviolet (UV), visible, infrared, microwave, and radio waves.
Speed
- The speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is 3.0 × 108m/s.
- This speed is approximately the same in air.
Test yourself on Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
As wavelength of a wave increases, what happens to its frequency?
Which type of electromagnetic wave has the lowest frequency?