The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The scene lets students explore electromagnetic waves being emitted and absorbed by various objects. They will explore the electromagnetic spectrum, the types of electromagnetic waves within it and the impact they have when absorbed. Through the various examples, students will appreciate uses of electromagnetic waves.

# Learning objectives

1: Know what a Transverse Wave is{.info}

2: Know the Groups of Waves in the Electromagnetic Spectrum {.info}

3: Describe the Different Waves in the Electromagnetic Spectrum .info}

# Electromagnetic Waves {.objective .objective1}

Students will learn about what waves are and the nature of electromagnetic waves as a transverse wave. They will learn about the different properties of a transverse wave as energy is transferred from a source to its absorber.

Students will be asked to explore the medical room and observe the different waves within it. They will be asked to compare the waves’ wavelength and whether they are being emitted or absorbed by the various objects.

# Low Frequency Waves {.objective .objective2}

Students will learn about the electromagnetic spectrum being made up of a continuous range of electromagnetic waves, ranging from low frequency and long wavelength to high frequency and short wavelength waves. They will also learn that the frequency and wavelength change due to different amounts of energy being emitted by a source. In this section, they will focus on the lower frequency waves.

Students will be asked to explore the medical room and identify the lower frequency waves by comparing them to visible light. They will be asked to use their comparisons of frequency and wavelength as they draw a conclusion to their observations.

# High Frequency Waves {.objective .objective3}

Students will learn the higher frequency waves and compare them to lower frequency waves. They will learn about how a higher frequency and shorter wavelength makes these waves ionising and potentially harmful to humans.

Students will be asked to explore the medical room and identify the higher frequency waves by comparing them to visible light. They will be asked to identify which electromagnetic wave is missing and a reason why it may not be radiating in the environment.