Electromagnetic spectrum
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What type of waves are all electromagnetic waves?
All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. This means that the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
What is the speed of all electromagnetic waves in free space?
All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in free space, denoted as 'c'. The value of c is approximately 3.0 x 10^8 m/s.
List the principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of decreasing wavelength.
Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays. Remember: Radio waves have the longest wavelength and gamma rays have the shortest.
What is the approximate range of wavelengths, in nanometers, that are visible to the human eye?
The approximate range of wavelengths visible to the human eye is 400-700 nm. This corresponds to the colors of the visible light spectrum.
Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum has wavelengths slightly longer than visible light?
Infrared radiation has wavelengths slightly longer than visible light. Infrared is often associated with heat.
Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum has wavelengths slightly shorter than visible light?
Ultraviolet radiation has wavelengths slightly shorter than visible light. Ultraviolet radiation can be harmful to living tissues.
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