Learning Activity 4ab: EM Spectrum Webquest
Unit A: Earth’s Place in the Universe
Learning Targets:
4a)
I can describe and rank various forms of electromagnetic radiation including the benefits
(uses) and hazards of various forms of electromagnetic radiation (DOK 1-2)
4b)
I can find and analyze patterns in the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of wavelength,
frequency, speed, and energy (DOK 2)
EM Spectrum Web Quest
The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuous range of different types of electromagnetic waves with
different wavelengths ranging from a few kilometres to millionths of a millimetre. The properties of the
different types of waves vary from one end of the spectrum to the other. Electromagnetic waves carry
energy from one place to another, which makes them useful but can also make them harmful. Use the
internet sites listed below to find out about the typical wavelength, frequency, energy, uses and possible
hazards of each type of electromagnetic wave.
Directions:
Use the following website to answer the questions. You may need to click on links in the article to
answer some of the questions. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/electromagnetic-spectrum.html
http://www.kentchemistry.com/aplinks/chapters/7atomicstructure/electromagneticspectrum.swf
1. What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
ANSWERS GO HERE
2. Place the following types of EM waves in order of highest energy to lowest energy.
Radio, X-rays, Visible light, Gamma rays, Microwaves, Ultraviolet, Infrared.
3. Besides on your IPOD, where would you find radio waves?
4. Doctors use X-rays to look at your bones and teeth. What other types of waves do doctors use and
what are they used for?
5. How does UV radiation affect you?
1
6. Is it possible to see radiation? If so, what would it look like?
Using this website, complete the table below:
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/edexcel_pre_2011/waves/theelectromagneticspe
ctrumrev1.shtml
Type of EM Wave
Radio waves
How is it used?
How is it hazardous?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Microwaves
Infrared
Visible Light
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ultraviolet
X Rays
Gamma Rays
Image from: http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/emspectrum.html
Questions
1. Which type of electromagnetic waves has the longest wavelength? _______________________
2. Which type of electromagnetic waves has the shortest wavelength? _______________________
3. Which types of electromagnetic waves are considered hazardous and must be used safely?
4. Do the hazardous electromagnetic waves high energy or low energy? ______________________
5. What is the connection between wavelength of an electromagnetic wave and the amount of
energy that it carries?
2
6. Frequency is related to wavelength. As waves get shorter, their frequency increases. Write the
electromagnetic spectrum in order of frequency starting with the highest frequency waves.
7. How is the frequency of an electromagnetic wave related to its energy?
3