If you have ever looked at illustrations of the electromagnetic spectrum, it kind of resembles a Slinky with more compressed coils on one end and further spread out coils on the other. Just like ocean waves, the waves of the electromagnetic spectrum have crests and troughs. Gamma rays and x-rays have wavelengths that are “close” together while radio waves, microwaves, and infrared waves have wavelengths that are far apart.
Waves are measured in three ways: their amplitude, wavelength, and period. The amplitude is the height of the wave. The wavelength is the distance between two waves. The period is the length of time it takes for one wave to pass a specified point.
Certain electromagnetic processes emit radiation, like heating up dinner in the microwave or getting an x-ray. Ultraviolet, or UV rays, are emitted from the Sun and cause you to get a tan or sunburn. Furthermore, because of the electromagnetic spectrum, you can listen to the radio, watch television, use your cell phone, and go online.
Resources: I am not affiliated with these websites or videos.
- *Highly recommended!* NASA | The Electromagnetic Spectrum for Kids: http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/
- EPA | UV Index: http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index
- How Stuff Works | “How WiFi Works”: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network1.htm
- PBS Learning Media Video | The Electromagnetic Spectrum: http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nvsl.sci.space.spectrum/the-electromagnetic-spectrum/
- Parkland.edu | “Cosmic Colors: An Adventure Along the Spectrum”: http://www2.parkland.edu/planetarium/_documents/CosmicColorsTeachersGuide.pdf
- YouTube: The Science Channel: NASA | “Electromagnetic Spectrum: Radio Waves”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al7sFP4C2TY
Investigations for the Classroom: I am not affiliated with any of these websites.
- Candy Experiments | Chocolate Bloom: http://kidshealth.org/kid/closet/experiments/candy_chocolate.html
- Tinkerlab | Microwave Marshmallow Experiment: http://tinkerlab.com/microwave-marshmallow-experiment/
- Home Science Tools | Build a Solar Oven Project: http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/build-a-solar-oven-project
- Instructables | “Best Solar Oven”: http://www.instructables.com/id/Best-Solar-Oven/
- Steve Spangler | The Sunscreen SPF Test: http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/sun-screen-spf-test
- Homeschoolgameschool.com | The Great Sunscreen Experiment: http://homeschoolgameschool.com/2013/07/09/the-great-sunscreen-experiment/
- Planet Science | Measure the Speed of Light Using Chocolate: http://www.planet-science.com/categories/over-11s/physics-is-fun!/2012/01/measure-the-speed-of-light-using-chocolate.aspx
- Head Rush | Gelatin Fiber Optics | Kari Byron finds the “wavelength of chocolate”: http://www.tv.com/shows/head-rush/watch/gelatin-fiber-optics-2623384/