← All labs · Logical Home Schooling Download the lab worksheet and research organizer (PDF)
Spectrum Lab The electromagnetic spectrum, from radio to gamma
About this activityChemistry and physical science · Grades 9–12 · About 50 minutes

Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Identify the parts of a wave and describe the relationship among wavelength, frequency, and the speed of light (c = λf).
  • Compare the seven regions of the electromagnetic spectrum by wavelength, frequency, energy, sources, and uses in daily life and industry.
  • Distinguish ionizing from non-ionizing radiation and evaluate whether each region is helpful, harmful, or both.
  • Calculate wavelength, frequency, and photon energy (E = hf).

Standards alignment

  • HS-PS4-1 NGSS: Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various media.
  • HS-PS4-4 NGSS: Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have when absorbed by matter.
  • HS-PS4-5 NGSS: Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.

Includes

Four stages: wave anatomy and the speed of light, an interactive spectrum with facts on all seven regions, ionizing vs. non-ionizing photons and a uses-and-hazards sort, and wavelength, frequency, and photon-energy calculations; and a printable worksheet with a research-project organizer. A teacher answer key is available from Logical Home Schooling. See also Flame Lab and, for where gamma rays come from, Nuclear Lab.

No sign-in and no ads. Nothing students type is sent anywhere; progress is saved only in their own browser.