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IGCSE Physics Waves

Unit 1
Electromagnetic spectrum
Introduction to the Electromagnetic SpectrumElectromagnetic Waves in DetailElectromagnetic Spectrum Examples
Unit 1 • Chapter 2

Electromagnetic Waves in Detail

Video Summary

Electromagnetic waves are a type of wave that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. They can be created by any type of charged particle, and they propagate at the speed of light. The energy of an electromagnetic wave is equal to Planck's constant times the frequency. When an electron absorbs a photon, it can jump from a low energy state to a high energy state. But when it falls from a high energy state to a low energy state, it can release a photon in the form of an electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves can also be created when electrons are oscillating within a metal or when a metal is heated to a very high temperature.

Knowledge Check

What property of electromagnetic waves is inversely proportional to the period of a wave?

What is the equation for the energy of an electromagnetic wave?

What type of waves are electromagnetic waves?