CLASS 9 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum – basic principles
How it works
The electromagnetic spectrum includes all types of electromagnetic radiation that differ in wavelength and frequency. Visible light is only a small part of it. The most important ranges include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays. The energy of radiation increases with frequency and decreases with wavelength. Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium for propagation and move in a vacuum at the speed of light (approx. 300.000 km/s).
Note
Electromagnetic radiation is ordered by wavelength or frequency; the higher the frequency (and the shorter the wavelength), the more energetic the radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation is ordered by wavelength or frequency; the higher the frequency (and the shorter the wavelength), the more energetic the radiation.
An example
Which type of radiation has the shortest wavelength?
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum, since their frequency is the highest.
Try it yourself now
50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Astronomy. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.