Topic 5: Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Question 1

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum from longest to shortest wavelength?

Answer 2

Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma.

Question 3

What is the wavelength range of visible light?

Answer 3

Approximately 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).

Question 4

What type of EM wave is used for communication with satellites?

Answer 4

Microwaves.

Question 5

Which part of the EM spectrum is used in night-vision cameras?

Answer 5

Infrared.

Question 6

Which type of EM wave is used for sterilizing medical equipment?

Answer 6

Ultraviolet (UV) light.

Question 7

What are X-rays commonly used for?

Answer 7

Medical imaging to view inside the body.

Question 8

Why are gamma rays dangerous?

Answer 8

They have very high energy and can cause damage to living cells, leading to cancer.

Question 9

What is the speed of all EM waves in a vacuum?

Answer 9

3×10^8 m/s (the speed of light).

Question 10

What property of light allows it to be refracted?

Answer 10

Its wave nature, which changes speed as it enters a different medium.