Electromagnetic Spectrum Vocabulary

Visible Light

• The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that human eyes can see.

• A type of radiation that is invisible to the human eye.

• The range of wavelengths that includes ultraviolet and infrared light.

• A form of energy that can only be detected by special instruments.

Radio Waves

• Electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies. Transmits signals to radios.

• Sound waves that travel through the air and are used for communication.

• Waves that are used in microwave ovens to heat food.

• Waves that can be seen by the human eye and are used in visual communication.

Microwaves

• Short wavelength, high frequency. Used for communication only.

• Long wavelength, low frequency. Cooks food and transmits data.

• Medium wavelength, variable frequency. Primarily used in radar.

• Very short wavelength, extremely high frequency. Used for medical imaging.

Wavelength

• The distance between the crest/tops of waves.

• The speed of sound in a medium.

• The frequency of a wave.

• The amplitude of a wave.

Gamma Rays

• Electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies.

• Electromagnetic waves with the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies. They are dangerous because they cause radioactive decay.

• Particles that have no mass and travel at the speed of light.

• Waves that are used in microwave ovens for cooking food.

Photon

• A particle representing a quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation.

• A type of wave that travels through a vacuum.

• A unit of measurement for electromagnetic waves.

• A form of energy that cannot be seen.

Transmit

• To pass along.

• To receive information.

• To block signals.

• To analyze data.

Frequency

• The number of waves that pass a given point per second.

• The speed of a wave in a vacuum.

• The distance between two consecutive waves.

• The amplitude of a wave.

X-rays

• 
• Low-energy sound waves

• Visible light waves

• Radio waves

Infrared Radiation

• Electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths and high frequency.

• Electromagnetic radiation with long wavelengths and low frequency. Used for night vision and thermal imaging.

• A type of radiation that is visible to the human eye.

• Radiation that is primarily used for communication purposes.