Learning about the Universe

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of the entire range of electromagnetic waves. Which of the following is not part of the electromagnetic spectrum?

• x-rays

• red light

• refraction

• ultraviolet light

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The figure below shows the parts of a wave. Which letter represents a wavelength?

• S

• T

• W

• X

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The transfer of energy as electromagnetic waves is called radiation. Not all electromagnetic waves emit the same radiation. What determines the radiation that an electromagnetic wave emits?

• its speed

• its visibility

• its amplitude

• its wavelength

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Different types of electromagnetic waves have different wavelengths. Which of these electromagnetic waves has the longest wavelength?

• x-rays

• radio waves

• gamma rays

• ultraviolet light

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Florida’s nickname is “The Sunshine State.” Which type of electromagnetic wave can be harmful to Floridians when considering the state’s nickname?

• x-rays

• visible light

• gamma rays

• ultraviolet radiation

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Not all electromagnetic waves can be detected by the human eye. Which of these choices is an example of this type of electromagnetic wave?

• red light

• blue light

• violet light

• ultraviolet light

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Wavelength, frequency, and energy are related. What happens to a wave as its wavelength gets shorter?

• Its frequency and energy increase.

• Its frequency and energy decrease.

• Its frequency increases, while its energy increases.

• Its frequency decreases, while its energy decreases.

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Electromagnetic radiation carries information from outer space. For example, the formation of a star is a very high-energy event. Which type of electromagnetic radiation would provide information about this event?

• radio waves

• microwaves

• gamma rays

• infrared light

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In 2007, scientists from the University of Florida started using one of the world’s largest telescopes to study outer space. What is one method that people do not use to make observations from a distance?

• using microscopes

• sending satellites into space

• studying electromagnetic radiation coming from outer space

• analyzing different types of radiation to produce images of very distant objects

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Radar sensors on high-altitude aircraft and on space platforms such as the space shuttle have been used to produce three-dimensional maps of Earth’s surface. These radar sensors use electromagnetic wavelengths that have the lowest energy. What type of electromagnetic radiation do these radar sensors use?

• x-rays

• ultraviolet

• gamma rays

• radio waves

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