Electromagnetic Spectrum

• 19

• 17

• 16

• 13

• infrared

• microwave

• Ultraviolet

• X-ray

Which radiation could consist of waves of wavelength 0.5 nm?

• 𝛾-rays 

• ultraviolet 

• visible light

• X-rays

The diagram shows the principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, with some details labeled. The diagram is not to scale.

What is a typical order of magnitude of the wavelength of the radiation in region Q?

Which statement about electromagnetic waves is correct?

• They can all travel at different speeds in free space.

• They cannot be polarized.

• They consist of vibrating atoms. 

Which list of regions of the electromagnetic spectrum is in order of increasing wavelength from left to right?

• Gamma-ray → ultraviolet → infrared

• Infrared → microwave → ultraviolet

• Microwave → X-ray → infrared

• X-ray → ultraviolet → gamma-ray

Brief pulses of red, blue and green light are emitted from the Sun at the same time.

The pulses travel the same distance to reach Mars. Assume that the pulses travel in a vacuum for the full duration of their journey.

In which order would these pulses of light arrive at Mars?

• all arrive at the same time

• blue first, then green, then red

• red first, then blue, then green

• red first, then green, then blue

The table contains descriptions and examples of waves. 

Which row is correct? 

• description of wave = oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer

  Example = gamma rays

• description of wave = oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer

  Example = ultraviolet rays

• description of wave = oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer

  Example = sound waves

• description of wave = oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer

  Example = X-rays

What is the order of magnitude of the wavelengths of microwaves and X-rays?