At GCSE level, from memory you should be able to list the parts in order of energy (relate how that relates to frequency and wavelength) and know how they are produced, detected and their dangers and uses - a rough idea of their approximate wavelength is also useful at GCSE level (but essential at A level!). The range of values for wavelength is so vast that you need to know your S.I. prefixes to do calculations using the wave equation relating to the EM Spectrum.
The parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are arranged in the table below in order of decreasing photon energy, decreasing frequency or increasing wavelength. Each part is named according to its origin and frequency/wavelength range. Light energy is the most familiar part of the spectrum and it is often referred to as the 'family of light'. Some parts of the e.m. spectrum can be directly detected by humans, others cannot.
See the table below: indicates that the rays are harmful because they are of high enough energy to be ionizing radiation.
Most parts of the electromagnetic spectrum can be captured by telescopes to give us more information about the Universe. |
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