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Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
A free video lesson on waves and the electromagnetic spectrum — what a wave is, how we describe it, and the family of waves from radio to gamma rays, with their uses and dangers. Followed by real quiz questions, marked instantly. No account needed.
From your voice to sunlight to your phone signal, waves carry energy everywhere. This lesson explains wave properties, transverse and longitudinal waves, and the electromagnetic spectrum — radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma — with their uses and dangers. It is part of Learning Hub, a UK-curriculum learning site built by a home-educating family.
Pick a topic and have a go — science, no account needed:
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Questions parents ask
- What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
- It is the family of waves that includes radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays. They all travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, and their energy rises from radio (lowest) to gamma (highest).
- What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
- In a transverse wave, the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of travel (light works this way). In a longitudinal wave, the vibrations are along the direction of travel (sound works this way). Both transfer energy without transferring matter.
- Is this suitable for KS3 and GCSE?
- Yes. Waves and the electromagnetic spectrum is a core physics topic for Years 9 to 11 (KS3 and GCSE), and this lesson and quiz work as a clear introduction.
- Is it really free?
- The video and these questions are free with no account. The full site is £6.99 a month for the whole family, with a 14-day free trial and no card needed to start.