Electromagnetic Spectrum Diagram

Diagram showing the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic Spectrum
The Electromagnetic Spectrum. Image Credit: NASA

The electromagnetic spectrum is comprised of all frequencies of electromagnetic radiation that propagate energy and travel through space in the form of waves. Longer wavelengths with lower frequencies make up the radio spectrum. Shorter wavelengths with higher frequencies make up the optical spectrum. The portion of the spectrum that we can see is called the visible spectrum, however, NASA utilizes a number of tools that allow us to communicate and create images utilizing almost every single component of the electromagnetic spectrum in one way or another.

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Document Resources

NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas

  • PS3A: Definitions of Energy
  • PS3B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
  • PS4A: Wave Properties
  • PS4B: Electromagnetic Radiation
  • ESS2B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale Systems
  • ESS2D: Weather and Climate
  • ESS3D: Global Climate Change

Science and Engineering Practices

  • Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

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