phy s ic s

(C S E C)
 MR. WALSH
Electromagnetic Waves

Lesson Objectives:

1. State the properties of electromagnetic waves.

2. Differentiate between the types of electromagnetic

waves in terms of their wavelengths. 3. Identify

sources and uses of electromagnetic waves.

 Properties of
electromagnetic waves
An electromagnetic wave consists of an oscillating electric field and magnetic field at right angles to
each other. The figure below shows a graphical representation of such a wave.

Properties of electromagnetic waves:

▪ They travel at the speed of light (3 × 108 m s-1) in a vacuum.

▪ They consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right

angles to each other.

▪ They are transverse waves.

▪ They can travel in a vacuum.

▪ They can be refracted, diffracted and reflected.

 The electromagnetic spectrum
Electromagnetic waves can be arranged based on the magnitude of their wavelengths. Radio
waves have the largest wavelength, while gamma rays have the shortest wavelength. They
form part of what is referred to as the electromagnetic spectrum.

The electromagnetic spectrum

NOTE WELL

In the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, red light has the longest
wavelength (640 nm) and violet light (470 nm) has the shortest wavelength.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v2gs8rdQzU

Sources of e.m. waves and their uses

Sources of e.m. waves and their uses (CONT’D)