What is the key difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves?
Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum; mechanical waves require a medium.
Compare radio waves and gamma rays in terms of wavelength.
Radio waves have the longest wavelengths; gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths.
Compare the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum versus in a medium.
Electromagnetic waves travel at their maximum speed in a vacuum. Their speed decreases in a medium.
Compare infrared and ultraviolet waves in terms of frequency.
Ultraviolet waves have a higher frequency than infrared waves.
Compare X-rays and visible light in terms of energy.
X-rays carry much more energy than visible light.
What happens when an electromagnetic wave encounters a medium?
It can be absorbed, reflected, refracted, or transmitted, depending on the properties of the medium and the wave's frequency.
What is the effect of increasing the frequency of an electromagnetic wave?
Its wavelength decreases, and its energy increases.
What is the result of oscillating electric and magnetic fields?
The creation and propagation of an electromagnetic wave.
What happens when electromagnetic waves travel through a vacuum?
They propagate at the speed of light (approximately $3 \times 10^8$ m/s).
What is the effect of an object absorbing electromagnetic radiation?
The object's internal energy and temperature increase.
What is the key difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves?
Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum; mechanical waves require a medium.
Compare radio waves and gamma rays in terms of wavelength.
Radio waves have the longest wavelengths; gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths.
Compare the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum versus in a medium.
Electromagnetic waves travel at their maximum speed in a vacuum. Their speed decreases in a medium.
Contrast the propagation of electromagnetic waves with sound waves.
Electromagnetic waves can propagate through a vacuum, while sound waves require a medium.
Compare the wavelengths of red light and violet light.
Red light has a longer wavelength than violet light.
