The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The Electromagnetic Spectrum longest wavelength shortest wavelength The Electromagnetic Spectrum The name given to a group of energy waves that are mostly invisible and can travel through empty space Shorter waves have more energy and longer waves have less energy

Characteristics of Radio waves: longest wavelength shortest wavelength Characteristics of Radio waves: Longest wavelength. Transmit radio and TV signals.

Characteristics of Microwaves: longest wavelength shortest wavelength Characteristics of Microwaves: Shorter than radio waves. Absorbed by water molecules.

Characteristics of Infrared waves: longest wavelength shortest wavelength Characteristics of Infrared waves: Shorter wavelength than microwaves. Felt as heat. Hot objects give off infrared waves.

Characteristics of Visible light: longest wavelength shortest wavelength Characteristics of Visible light: Shorter wavelength than infrared waves. Can be seen as colors. Half of Sun’s rays are visible light.

Characteristics of Ultraviolet light: longest wavelength shortest wavelength Characteristics of Ultraviolet light: Shorter wavelength than visible light. Give off harmful radiation. Can kill living cells. Causes skin cancer.

Characteristics of X-ray radiation: longest wavelength shortest wavelength Characteristics of X-ray radiation: Shorter wavelength than ultraviolet. Give off harmful radiation. Pass through skin, not bone. Harmful to humans.

Characteristics of Gamma radiation: longest wavelength shortest wavelength Characteristics of Gamma radiation: Shortest wavelength (highest energy). Comes from radioactivity or nuclear reactions. Give off harmful radiation. Harmful to humans.