Name _________________________________

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

LINKS: Virtual Labs à Light à Electromagnetic Spectrum
http://lectureonline.cl.msu.edu/~mmp/applist/Spectrum/s.htm

In science each area of study (astronomy, high-energy physics, etc) has its own jargon and favored system of units for the electromagnetic spectrum. This applet is intended to show the relationship between these units when talking about electromagnetic (EM) radiation. It will also help the student become familiar with these units and the different spectral regions. Also, it can serve as a quick unit converter.

Component  parts of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

What are the seven listed types of electromagnetic radiation (EM radiation) illustrated in this applet? List them from left to right.

In this applet, you can click on the wavelength/frequency scale and change the wavelength and frequency by dragging the mouse around.

Note the appearance of a blue vertical line or position bar to indicate your position along the electromagnetic spectrum. The values of frequency, wavelength, and energy (with selected units) correspond to the location of the "white position bar".

Wavelength range for Electromagnetic Waves

Click on the EM scale to move the "blue position bar". What is the unit of wavelength used in the applet program? ____________

Wavelength Units: A nanometer is a small unit of length equal to 1 x 10^-9 meters

Locate the vertical blue line and state what type of wave has a one meter wavelength ( x10^o = 1.0 ): ______________________.

Locate the following wavelengths and indicate the type of electromagnetic radiation associated with these wavelengths. Convert the wavelengths to meters.

Analysis: 
Which electromagnetic wave type has the largest wavelength? _________________________

Which electromagnetic wave type has the smallest wavelength? ________________________

Which has the largest wavelength:

• Radio waves or x-rays? _________________
• Infrared or Visible light (V)? ____________________
• Microwaves or Ultraviolet (UV) __________________
• Gamma or x-rays? ____________________________

Would you agree that the simulation has the Electromagnetic waves organized by wavelengths?_________

Would you agree that longer wavelengths are found at the gamma ray end of the spectrum? ___________

Use the Electromagnetic Wave simulation and determine the how many times greater the average radio wave wavelength is to the average gamma ray wavelength. (Assume by clicking in the middle of the wave names on the chart that the average value will be given. For example, the average microwave wavelength would be 0.01 meters.)

Average Radio wave Wavelength = ________________ meters

Average Gamma Ray Wavelength = ________________ meters

Radio Wave wavelengths are _________ times greater than gamma ray wavelengths.


 

Frequency and Electromagnetic Waves

Click on the EM scale and notice the frequency units. What are the two unit choices for frequency? List them in the chart below:

Frequency Units

AM radio stations broadcast at a frequency of kilohertz and FM radio broadcast at a frequency of megahertz.

My favorite AM station is KVOR. The frequency of the station is 580 kilohertz with a wavelength of ______________________meters.

My favorite FM station is 98.7. The frequency of the station is 98.7 megahertz with a wavelength of ______________ meters.

Which radio station has the longest wavelength? ______________ (AM or FM)

Are they both radio waves according to the Electromagnetic Spectrum simulation? __________________

Click and drag the white vertical position marker across the Electromagnetic spectrum simulation and determine where the large frequency waves are located. Which end of the Electromagnetic spectrum has the largest frequencies? __________________________. Is this the same end that has the largest wavelengths? ___________. Does the electromagnetic spectrum seem to be organized or arranged based on frequency and wavelength? ___________

Click near the visible spectrum (V) on the chart until the spectrum of colors appear. Which color has the largest wavelength? _________________ Largest frequency? __________________.

Energy and Electromagnetic Waves

What are the two units of energy used in the Electromagnetic Wave Simulation? ________________________ _______________________

Arrange the energy units from largest to smallest in value?

Largest = ___________________________

Smallest = __________________________

Click and drag the white vertical position line across the electromagnetic spectrum simulation and determine where the most energetic waves are to be found. Which type of wave has the most energy? ____________

Which has the least energy? ______________________ Which visible color has the most energy? ___________ Which color has the least amount of energy? ____________________________

What type of wave is it? From the following clues determine the wave type and circle one item that relates to what this person is doing or being exposed to?