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electromagnetic waves

The Sun's energy is carried to Earth by ___________

electromagnetic spectrum

The wide range of electromagnetic radiation ordered by wavelength


the distance along a wave before it repeats

shorter wavelengths

______ wavelengths have higher energy

longer wavelengths

_______ wavelengths have lower energy

Radio waves

________ have the longeset wavelengthsand include transmissions of AM radio, shortwave radio, TV, and FM radio


These are used to power radar and satellite systems as well as ovens that cook food quickly. These are in the next part of the spectrum after radio waves.

Infrared rays

People feel these as heat. They are given off by the Sun and other sources such as active volcanoes. These are in the next part of the spectrum after microwaves

Visible light

These are in the middle of the spectrum. People see these wavelength as colors that range from red to violet.

ultraviolet waves

These carry more energy than visible light waves. Overexposure to these and other high energy wwaves can be harmful to humans.

X rays

These are after ultraviolet rays in the spectrum.

Gamma rays

These have very short wavelengths and carry so much energy that they can even pass through metals and concrete.


The transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves.

Radiant energy

energy given off by the Sun. It does not require two objects to be touching.


the process of taking in radiant energy


the process of giving off absorbed electromagnetic waves

Solar radiation

the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the Sun


Wavelengths of visible lights are not greatly absorbed by anything in the ________ so they are able to reach Earth's surface.

Non-ionizing radiation

This falls at the long-wavelength end of the spectrum.

High-energy radiation

This falls at the short-wavelength end of the electromagnetic spectrum. This type of radiation has the power to generate electricity, kill cancer cells, and drive manufacturing processes.

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