AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Electromagnetic Waves
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the approximate range of wavelengths covered by the entire electromagnetic spectrum mentioned?
The electromagnetic spectrum spans a range of wavelengths from kilometers (for radio waves) down to picometers (for gamma rays).
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What is the approximate range of wavelengths covered by the entire electromagnetic spectrum mentioned?
The electromagnetic spectrum spans a range of wavelengths from kilometers (for radio waves) down to picometers (for gamma rays).
List the seven main categories of electromagnetic waves in order of decreasing wavelength.
The categories are radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Which type of electromagnetic wave has a wavelength that is shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays?
Ultraviolet waves are positioned between visible light and X-rays in the spectrum, having a shorter wavelength than visible light.
Describe the fundamental properties of an electromagnetic wave.
An electromagnetic wave consists of mutually perpendicular, oscillating electric and magnetic fields, and it does not require a medium for propagation.
What is a key property of electromagnetic wave propagation that distinguishes it from many other types of waves?
Electromagnetic waves are unique because they do not need a medium through which to propagate.
Which category of electromagnetic wave listed has the longest wavelength?
Based on the provided order of decreasing wavelength, radio waves have the longest wavelength.
What property of the wave is used to order the categories of the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays?
The categories of the electromagnetic spectrum are listed in order of decreasing wavelength.
What is the spatial relationship between the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave?
The oscillating electric and magnetic fields are mutually perpendicular to each other.
Which category of electromagnetic wave listed has the shortest wavelength?
Gamma rays are at the end of the list ordered by decreasing wavelength, meaning they have the shortest wavelength.
What are the two primary components of an electromagnetic wave?
Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.