An explanation of and animation depicting the propagation of an electromagnetic wave through a material medium.

Visible light waves are the only electromagnetic waves we can see. We see these waves as the colors of the rainbow. Each color has a different wavelength. Red has the longest wavelength and violet has the shortest wavelength. When all...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Summarizes the key points about electromagnetic waves and how they are classified. Includes a few questions to check for understanding.

Students are introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum through this group research activity. Each group investigates a different wavelength range within the em spectrum and reports back to class. Discussion ideas also included.

In this lesson students learn how AM radios work through basic concepts about waves and magnetic fields. Waves are first introduced by establishing the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves, as well as identifying the...

This illustrated essay from A Science Odyssey Web site explains the science behind radio waves, including the role of electrons and electromagnetic fields.

A study guide for concepts related to wave optics.

The dualistic nature of light is discussed. The photoelectric effect and the Davisson-Germer experiment are contrasted as empirical evidence supporting each of the two views - particle and wave - of the nature of light. The photoelectric...

A tutorial on the electromagnetic and visible spectra. Discusses dispersion and how perceptions of white and black are related to the visible light spectrum.

This illustrated physics tutorial explains the electromagnetic and visible spectra of light using illustrated examples and interactive practice problems.

Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of how scientists came to believe in the wave nature of light. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Thomas Young...

Light is an example of an electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves can travel through the vacuum of interstellar space. They do not depend on an external medium-unlike a mechanical wave such as a sound wave which must travel through...

Infrared light lies between the visible and microwave portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared light has a range of wavelengths, just like visible light has wavelengths that range from red light to violet.

Students will classify waves as mechanical or electromagnetic. Students will describe longitudinal and transverse waves. Students will show a transverse wave using a slinky.This lesson plan was created as a result of the Girls Engaged in...

Lucianne Walkowicz shows us the waves just beyond our perception: microwaves, radio waves, x-rays and more. [5:58]

"How Do We Know Light Behaves as a Wave?" An answer is provided in this discussion of the polarization of light and the use of Polaroid filters in sunglasses. The four methods discussed on this page are: polarization by transmission,...

A detailed discussion of the nature of light, how it can travel through a vacuum, and how the speed of light is affected when light travels through a medium.

Resource focuses on the relationship between the frequency, wavelength and speed of light. Has a link to an interactive activity relating frequency, wavelength, and energy.

A collection of video lectures from a fundamentals of physics course taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The course is the second in the sequence and focuses on electricity and magnetism The videos feature topics on...

A gallery of astronomy images which depict galaxies, comets, the moon, planets, nebulae, supernovae as seen in various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Each image in the gallery is described. Fascinating!

Learn all about stars and the electromagnetic spectrum in this series of activities.

At this site from the Nobel e-Museum, you can read about the scientific work of Lord Rayleigh (1842-1919 CE). This article includes information on his education and experiments with light and sound waves.

This site from Georgia State University discusses the location of visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Includes the wavelength values for various colors of light within the visible light spectrum.

Research resources for James Maxwell (1831-1879), who did revolutionary work on electricity and magnetism and on the kinetic theory of gases.