EM Spectrum and Observing Space

Visible light occupies the range of wavelengths from 380 to 790 nanometers in the electromagnetic spectrum. Which of the following kinds of electromagnetic radiation has shorter wavelength than visible light?

• radio waves

• X-rays

• infrared radiation

• microwaves

Glen is explaining the relationship between the wavelength and frequency of electromagnetic radiation to his friend, Harold. Which of the following would be a correct explanation of this relationship?

• The frequency of a wave is not related to its wavelength.

• If a wave has a long wavelength, it will have a low frequency.

• If a wave has a low frequency, it will have an equally low wavelength.

• All electromagnetic waves have the same frequency, but different wavelengths

Sunlight is composed of energy that is visible to humans and energy that is not visible to humans. Which statement describes how the visible energy from the Sun is different from the non visible energy?

• It travels at a different speed.

• It travels a different distance.

• It has different wavelengths.

• It has different amplitudes.

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

• Its frequency and energy increase

• Its frequency and energy decrease

• Its frequency increases while its energy decreases

• Its frequency decreases while its energy increases

What is the term used to describe the maximum distance that a sound wave displaces air molecules from their original undisturbed position?

• amplitude

• speed

• frequency

• wavelength

Microwave ovens employ microwaves to quickly reheat or cook a wide variety of foods. While foods get hot when a microwave is turned on, the walls of a microwave oven do not. What is the most likely explanation of this?

• Many foods diffract microwaves, while the walls of a microwave oven refract them.

• Many foods refract microwaves, while the walls of a microwave oven diffract them.

• Many foods absorb microwaves, while the walls of a microwave oven reflect them.

• Many foods reflect microwaves, while the walls of a microwave oven absorb them.

X-rays are used in medical applications to produce images of bones, tissues, and organs. X-rays are capable of penetrating tissues such as skin, but are less capable of penetrating bone. This property of X-rays derives from which characteristic of the rays?

• their short wavelengths

• their long wavelengths

• their small amplitudes

• their large amplitudes

Which of these is the least energetic form of electromagnetic radiation?

• microwaves

• gamma rays

• visible light

• radio waves

Florida’s nickname is “The Sunshine State”. Which type of electromagnetic waves can be harmful to Floridians who spend time outside in the sunshine?

• X-rays

• Visible light

• Gamma rays

• Ultraviolet radiation

Some planetary images and satellite photographs are made using visible light. Other images are made with radiation from the non-visible portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Why do scientists study images made with parts of the electromagnetic spectrum other than visible light?

• These images are the only way to observe galaxies beyond our own

• These images reveal information that visible light does not show

• These images show important data from optical telescopes

• These images are the only way to observe space from Earth’s surface