Electromagnetic Spectrum 2024

What is the number of waves that pass a point in one second?

• Amplitude

• Frequency

• Period

• Wavelength

Answer explanation

The number of waves that pass a point in one second is called frequency. It measures how often a wave occurs in a given time period, making 'Frequency' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What is the distance from the peak of one wave to the next peak?

• Amplitude

• Frequency

• Period

• Wavelength

Answer explanation

The distance from the peak of one wave to the next peak is called the wavelength. It measures the length of one complete wave cycle, distinguishing it from amplitude (height) and frequency (number of cycles per second).

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

These waves from the sun cause sunburn.

• Gamma

• Microwaves

• Radio

• Ultraviolet

Answer explanation

Ultraviolet (UV) waves from the sun are responsible for causing sunburn. Unlike gamma rays, microwaves, and radio waves, UV radiation has the right energy to damage skin cells, leading to sunburn.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

NGSS.HS-PS4-4

Which electromagnetic waves have the highest frequencies and the shortest wavelengths?

• microwaves

• visible light

• gamma rays

Answer explanation

Gamma rays have the highest frequencies and the shortest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, surpassing microwaves and visible light, making them the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which type of waves are used in broadcasting?

• radio waves

• infrared rays

• x-rays

Answer explanation

Radio waves are the type of waves used in broadcasting because they can travel long distances and penetrate through various materials, making them ideal for transmitting audio and video signals over the air.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

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Which electromagnetic waves allow us to diagnose & treat cancer?

• Gamma rays

• X-rays

• Ultraviolet rays

Answer explanation

Gamma rays are used in cancer diagnosis and treatment due to their ability to penetrate tissues and kill cancer cells. They are more effective than X-rays and ultraviolet rays for these medical applications.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-4

Which electromagnetic waves help doctors detect broken bones inside your body?

• gamma rays

• x-rays

• ultraviolet rays

Answer explanation

X-rays are a type of electromagnetic wave that can penetrate soft tissues but are absorbed by denser materials like bones. This property allows doctors to use X-rays to detect broken bones inside the body.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which section of the spectrum is the ONLY one we can see?

• X-rays

• Visible Light

• Gamma Rays

• Ultraviolet Rays

Answer explanation

The only section of the spectrum we can see is Visible Light. It encompasses the range of wavelengths that our eyes can detect, unlike X-rays, Gamma Rays, and Ultraviolet Rays, which are outside our visible range.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

High frequency waves have _________ wavelengths.

• varying

• long

• the same

• short

Answer explanation

High frequency waves correspond to shorter wavelengths. This is due to the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases. Therefore, the correct answer is 'short'.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which of the following has the least amount of energy?

• UV rays

• The color yellow

• Radio waves

• Gamma rays

Answer explanation

Radio waves have the least amount of energy among the options listed. They are at the lower end of the electromagnetic spectrum, while UV rays, yellow light, and gamma rays have higher energy levels.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1