General Science, Quarter 2 (Physics) REV

Rhona Marie O. Belonio, X - Einstein

01
Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
Wave – is a temporary disturbance that
transfer energy from one place to another.
2 General Types of Wave
Mechanical Waves – they are waves that
do not require a medium to propagate
when travelling.
Electromagnetic Waves travel with a
Medium – matter, such as solid,
constant velocity of 3.00 x 108 m/s in
liquid, gas, or plasma that
vacuum.
mechanical waves are travelling
through EM waves are capable of showing
diffraction or interference.
Electromagnetic Waves – they differ from
mechanical waves in that they do not EM waves are considered to be transverse
require a medium to propagate. (ex. visible waves.
light) Characteristics of Waves
- This means that EM waves can travel
not only through air and solid
materials, but also through a
vacuum space.
How are EM Waves formed?
Amplitude (A) – the height of a wave,
- Electromagnetic waves are formed
usually measured in meters (m). The greater
when an electric field comes in
the amplitude of a wave then the more
contact with a magnetic field.
energy it is carrying.
- Electricity and Magnetism can be
static, but changing magnetic field Wavelength (λ) – the distance between 2
will induce electric field and vice consecutive crests or troughs, and usually
versa. These changing fields form measured in meters (m)
electromagnetic waves. Frequency (f) – the number of waves
NOTE: the electric and magnetic field of an passing a point in a certain time. We
electromagnetic wave are perpendicular (at normally use a time of one second, so this
right angles) to each other and also to the gives frequency the unit hertz (Hz), since
direction of the EM wave. one hertz is equal to one wave per second.
Speed of Light (c) - all electromagnetic
wave travels at the same speed which is
about 3.0 x 108 m/s through a vacuum.
General Science, Quarter 2 (Physics) REV
Rhona Marie O. Belonio, X - Einstein
01
Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
The order of colors of visible light are
arranged from lowest to highest
frequency. Red has the lowest energy
and frequency while violet has the
highest energy and frequency.

Gamma Rays – the most energetic of all EM

Types of Electromagnetic Waves waves and has the highest frequency and
1. Radio Waves the shortest wavelengths.
2. Microwaves
3. Infrared Electromagnetic
4. Visible Light Spectrum
5. Ultraviolet
6. X-ray
7. Gamma Rays

Non-ionizing Radiation – the part of the

electromagnetic spectrum where there is
insufficient energy to cause ionization.
Ionizing Radiation - type of energy
released by atoms that travels in the form of
Photons – electromagnetic waves can
electromagnetic waves.
be described in terms of a stream of
mass-less particles, called photons, each
travelling in a wave-like pattern at the
speed of light. Each photon contains a
certain amount of energy.

The different types of EM waves are

defined by the amount of energy found
in the photons.

Energy goes up as the frequency

increases, the energy is directly
proportional to the frequency.