Section 3 c) Key Words

Electromagnetic spectrum: A spectrum of frequencies or wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation divided into 7 sections.

Electromagnetic waves: A wave produced by the acceleration of electric charge. It is transverse, so it oscillates perpendicular to the direction of energy travel.

Gamma rays: The highest frequency, and shortest wavelength on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Infrared: Waves with a lower frequency than visible light, but higher than microwaves.

Microwaves: Waves with a lower frequency than infrared, but higher than radio waves.

Radio waves: Waves with the lowest frequency, and longest wavelength found on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Ultraviolet (U.V.): Waves with a higher frequency than visible light, but lower than x-rays.

Visible light: Found in the middle of the electromagnetic spectrum, visible light is the light and colours we can see, split into 7 colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

X-rays: Waves with a higher frequency than U.V., but lower than gamma rays.