Electromagnetic Spectrum

(a) state that all electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel with the same speed in vacuum and state the magnitude of this speed


(b) describe the main components of the electromagnetic spectrum


(c) state examples of the use of the following components:

(i) radio waves (e.g. radio and television communication)

(ii) microwaves (e.g. microwave oven and satellite television)

(iii) infra-red (e.g. infra-red remote controllers and intruder alarms)

(iv) light (e.g. optical fibres for medical uses and telecommunications)

(v) ultra-violet (e.g. sunbeds and sterilisation)

(vi) X-rays (e.g. radiological and engineering applications)

(vii) gamma rays (e.g. medical treatment)


(d) describe the effects of absorbing electromagnetic waves, e.g. heating, ionisation and damage to living cells and tissue