Electromagnetic Waves

Front

What is the difference between how light waves and sound waves are created?

Back

Light waves are created by an electron vibrating to emit photons, while sound waves are created by a guitar string vibrating to move air molecules.

Front

How do the speeds of sound waves and light waves differ?

Back

Sound waves travel fastest in solids (high density), while light waves travel fastest in gases (or in a vacuum with no molecules).

Front

Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the longest wavelength?

Back

Radio waves have the longest wavelength among electromagnetic radiation.

Front

Which form of electromagnetic radiation has the lowest frequency, longest wavelength, and the least amount of energy?

Back

Radio waves have the lowest frequency, longest wavelength, and the least amount of energy.

Front

What type of waves are all electromagnetic waves?

Back

All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves and travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s).

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, ordered by wavelength or frequency.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency in electromagnetic waves?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is the frequency range of radio waves?

Back

Radio waves have frequencies ranging from about 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

Front

What is the energy of electromagnetic waves related to?

Back

The energy of electromagnetic waves is directly proportional to their frequency; higher frequency waves carry more energy.