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16 Dec 2025
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Understanding Electromagnetic Radiation in N5 Physics Waves
1 / 6
Radio Waves and Microwaves
Radio and TV waves are the longest electromagnetic waves you'll encounter, with wavelengths around 1000 metres and frequencies of about 10⁴ Hz. They're produced by electrical antennae, stars, and even lightning strikes, then picked up by aerials on your devices.
These waves power our connected world through telecommunications, radio astronomy, and radar systems. Microwaves are much shorter at 0.01 metres with higher frequencies of 10⁸ Hz, generated by magnetrons and cosmic sources.
Quick Tip: Remember that longer wavelengths mean lower frequencies - they're inversely related!
Microwaves don't just heat your dinner; they're crucial for mobile communications, satellite links, and help astronomers study distant galaxies.
Infrared Radiation
Infrared (IR) waves are essentially heat waves that you can't see but definitely feel. Any warm or hot object emits these waves, making them incredibly common in daily life.
With wavelengths around 10⁻⁵ metres and frequencies of 10¹² Hz, IR radiation bridges the gap between microwaves and visible light. Heat-emitting objects and certain LEDs produce IR waves, which can be detected using thermochromic film or photodiodes.
The applications are brilliant - from TV remote controls to thermal cameras that help doctors detect tumours. Pit vipers use natural IR detection to hunt prey, whilst engineers use thermal imaging to check building insulation and spot overheating machinery.
Real-World Connection: Your body constantly emits infrared radiation - that's how thermal cameras can "see" you in complete darkness!
Visible Light
Visible light is the only electromagnetic radiation your eyes can naturally detect. The visible spectrum contains all the colours of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.
Use "ROY G. BIV" to remember the colour order from longest to shortest wavelength. Visible light has wavelengths between 400-700 nanometres (about 0.5 × 10⁻⁶ metres) and frequencies around 10¹⁵ Hz.
Stars, light bulbs, LEDs, and lasers all produce visible light, which we detect with our eyes, photodiodes, or cameras. Beyond just seeing the world, visible light enables fibre optic communications, astronomical observations, laser eye surgery, and even tattoo removal.
Exam Tip: Red light has the longest wavelength and lowest frequency, whilst violet has the shortest wavelength and highest frequency in the visible spectrum.
Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is both beneficial and dangerous. Thankfully, Earth's ozone layer absorbs most harmful UV rays, but overexposure can still cause skin cancer.
UV waves have wavelengths around 10⁻⁸ metres and frequencies of 10¹⁶ Hz. The sun produces most UV radiation, though fluorescent bulbs and 'black lights' also emit these waves.
Fluorescent chemicals and photodiodes can detect UV radiation, making it useful for treating skin conditions and creating security features. You'll find UV-reactive inks on banknotes, credit cards, and passports - they're invisible under normal light but glow under UV lamps.
Safety Note: Always protect your skin from excessive UV exposure - it's much more energetic than visible light and can damage cells.
X-rays and Gamma Rays
X-rays pack serious energy with wavelengths of 10⁻¹⁰ metres and frequencies around 10¹⁸ Hz. X-ray tubes and cosmic sources produce these penetrating waves, which photographic film readily detects.
You're probably familiar with medical X-rays for detecting broken bones, but they're also essential for airport security scanners. Gamma rays are even more powerful, with the shortest wavelengths (10⁻¹² metres) and highest frequencies (10²⁰ Hz) in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Nuclear decay produces gamma rays, which Geiger-Muller tubes and photographic film can detect. In medicine, gamma cameras create detailed body images, whilst focused gamma rays destroy cancerous tumours by targeting diseased cells whilst minimising damage to healthy tissue.
Physics Insight: Higher frequency electromagnetic radiation carries more energy - that's why gamma rays can kill cancer cells but radio waves can't.
Summary Table
This handy reference shows all electromagnetic radiation types from lowest to highest frequency. Notice how wavelength decreases as frequency increases across the spectrum.
Each type has specific sources, detection methods, and applications that make them uniquely useful. Radio waves excel at long-distance communication, whilst gamma rays provide powerful medical treatments.
The electromagnetic spectrum demonstrates how the same fundamental phenomenon - electromagnetic waves - can behave so differently based purely on frequency and wavelength. Understanding these patterns will help you predict properties and applications of any electromagnetic radiation.
Revision Strategy: Create your own summary table without looking - it's a perfect way to test your knowledge before exams!
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Electromagnetic Radiation in N5 Physics Waves
The electromagnetic spectrum is everywhere around you - from the radio waves carrying your favourite songs to the gamma rays used in cancer treatment. Understanding these different types of radiation and their properties will help you ace your physics exams... Show more
Radio Waves and Microwaves
Radio and TV waves are the longest electromagnetic waves you'll encounter, with wavelengths around 1000 metres and frequencies of about 10⁴ Hz. They're produced by electrical antennae, stars, and even lightning strikes, then picked up by aerials on your devices.
These waves power our connected world through telecommunications, radio astronomy, and radar systems. Microwaves are much shorter at 0.01 metres with higher frequencies of 10⁸ Hz, generated by magnetrons and cosmic sources.
Quick Tip: Remember that longer wavelengths mean lower frequencies - they're inversely related!
Microwaves don't just heat your dinner; they're crucial for mobile communications, satellite links, and help astronomers study distant galaxies.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Infrared Radiation
Infrared (IR) waves are essentially heat waves that you can't see but definitely feel. Any warm or hot object emits these waves, making them incredibly common in daily life.
With wavelengths around 10⁻⁵ metres and frequencies of 10¹² Hz, IR radiation bridges the gap between microwaves and visible light. Heat-emitting objects and certain LEDs produce IR waves, which can be detected using thermochromic film or photodiodes.
The applications are brilliant - from TV remote controls to thermal cameras that help doctors detect tumours. Pit vipers use natural IR detection to hunt prey, whilst engineers use thermal imaging to check building insulation and spot overheating machinery.
Real-World Connection: Your body constantly emits infrared radiation - that's how thermal cameras can "see" you in complete darkness!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Visible Light
Visible light is the only electromagnetic radiation your eyes can naturally detect. The visible spectrum contains all the colours of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.
Use "ROY G. BIV" to remember the colour order from longest to shortest wavelength. Visible light has wavelengths between 400-700 nanometres (about 0.5 × 10⁻⁶ metres) and frequencies around 10¹⁵ Hz.
Stars, light bulbs, LEDs, and lasers all produce visible light, which we detect with our eyes, photodiodes, or cameras. Beyond just seeing the world, visible light enables fibre optic communications, astronomical observations, laser eye surgery, and even tattoo removal.
Exam Tip: Red light has the longest wavelength and lowest frequency, whilst violet has the shortest wavelength and highest frequency in the visible spectrum.
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Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is both beneficial and dangerous. Thankfully, Earth's ozone layer absorbs most harmful UV rays, but overexposure can still cause skin cancer.
UV waves have wavelengths around 10⁻⁸ metres and frequencies of 10¹⁶ Hz. The sun produces most UV radiation, though fluorescent bulbs and 'black lights' also emit these waves.
Fluorescent chemicals and photodiodes can detect UV radiation, making it useful for treating skin conditions and creating security features. You'll find UV-reactive inks on banknotes, credit cards, and passports - they're invisible under normal light but glow under UV lamps.
Safety Note: Always protect your skin from excessive UV exposure - it's much more energetic than visible light and can damage cells.
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X-rays and Gamma Rays
X-rays pack serious energy with wavelengths of 10⁻¹⁰ metres and frequencies around 10¹⁸ Hz. X-ray tubes and cosmic sources produce these penetrating waves, which photographic film readily detects.
You're probably familiar with medical X-rays for detecting broken bones, but they're also essential for airport security scanners. Gamma rays are even more powerful, with the shortest wavelengths (10⁻¹² metres) and highest frequencies (10²⁰ Hz) in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Nuclear decay produces gamma rays, which Geiger-Muller tubes and photographic film can detect. In medicine, gamma cameras create detailed body images, whilst focused gamma rays destroy cancerous tumours by targeting diseased cells whilst minimising damage to healthy tissue.
Physics Insight: Higher frequency electromagnetic radiation carries more energy - that's why gamma rays can kill cancer cells but radio waves can't.
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Summary Table
This handy reference shows all electromagnetic radiation types from lowest to highest frequency. Notice how wavelength decreases as frequency increases across the spectrum.
Each type has specific sources, detection methods, and applications that make them uniquely useful. Radio waves excel at long-distance communication, whilst gamma rays provide powerful medical treatments.
The electromagnetic spectrum demonstrates how the same fundamental phenomenon - electromagnetic waves - can behave so differently based purely on frequency and wavelength. Understanding these patterns will help you predict properties and applications of any electromagnetic radiation.
Revision Strategy: Create your own summary table without looking - it's a perfect way to test your knowledge before exams!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Electromagnetic Radiation
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Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user