Subjects
Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
English
AP English Literature
3
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Katie Gunn
11/26/2025
Physics
Electromagnetic spectrum and radiation.
376
•
Nov 26, 2025
•
Katie Gunn
@kgunn15
The electromagnetic spectrum and radiation are fascinating areas of physics... Show more
Ever wonder why microwaves cook food but radio waves don't? The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum explains this! It's a family of waves with different energy levels and uses.
Radio waves have the lowest energy and are used for communication. They're completely harmless to humans. Microwaves, with slightly more energy, help cook your food and carry mobile phone signals.
Infrared (IR) radiation is used in thermal imaging, cooking, and burglar alarms. While invisible, these waves can cause burns when intense. Visible light is the only part of the spectrum we can actually see - it's how you're reading this right now!
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has enough energy to kill bacteria and is used to check for forged money. However, too much exposure can cause skin cancer and eye damage. X-rays can see through your skin but not dense bones, making them perfect for medical imaging and airport security.
Remember this: As you move from radio waves to gamma rays, the energy increases while wavelength decreases. All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel at the same speed in a vacuum!
At the highest energy end, gamma rays can sterilise medical equipment and treat cancer, though ironically, they can also cause cancer with excessive exposure.
Radiation is simply energy emitted from a point. Some types, called ionising radiation, can change atoms by giving them an electrical charge – this is where things get interesting!
Atoms normally have a perfect balance of positive protons and negative electrons, making them electrically neutral. For example, a lithium atom has a mass of 7 and contains protons (mass 1, positive charge), neutrons (mass 1, no charge), and electrons (tiny mass, negative charge).
When ionising radiation hits an atom, it can knock out an electron. This creates an ion - an atom with an unbalanced charge. Since it lost a negative electron, the atom becomes positively charged. This process can damage living cells, which is why safety precautions are so important.
Safety first! When handling radioactive materials, always use tongs (never touch directly), keep samples in shielded containers , and minimise your exposure time.
These safety measures protect us from the harmful effects that ionising radiation can have on our bodies.
When unstable atoms break down, they release different types of radiation. This breakdown is fascinating because it actually changes one element into another!
Alpha radiation happens when an unstable nucleus ejects an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons). This creates a new atom with less mass than the original. Alpha particles are relatively large and can be stopped by something as thin as paper.
Beta radiation occurs when a neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton and an electron. The high-energy electron shoots out as a beta particle, creating a new element with the same mass but different properties. Beta particles can penetrate paper but are stopped by aluminum.
Gamma radiation is different - it's pure energy with no mass or charge. It often accompanies alpha or beta decay when the nucleus has excess energy to release. Gamma rays are the most penetrating form of radiation and require thick lead or concrete to block.
Did you know? Scientists can write nuclear decay equations to show exactly how one element changes into another during radioactive decay. These equations always balance - just like in chemistry!
Understanding these forms of radiation helps scientists develop medical treatments, energy sources, and important industrial tools.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Katie Gunn
@kgunn15
The electromagnetic spectrum and radiation are fascinating areas of physics that explain how energy moves around us. From radio waves to gamma rays, these forms of energy impact our daily lives in countless ways - from how we cook food... Show more
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ever wonder why microwaves cook food but radio waves don't? The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum explains this! It's a family of waves with different energy levels and uses.
Radio waves have the lowest energy and are used for communication. They're completely harmless to humans. Microwaves, with slightly more energy, help cook your food and carry mobile phone signals.
Infrared (IR) radiation is used in thermal imaging, cooking, and burglar alarms. While invisible, these waves can cause burns when intense. Visible light is the only part of the spectrum we can actually see - it's how you're reading this right now!
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has enough energy to kill bacteria and is used to check for forged money. However, too much exposure can cause skin cancer and eye damage. X-rays can see through your skin but not dense bones, making them perfect for medical imaging and airport security.
Remember this: As you move from radio waves to gamma rays, the energy increases while wavelength decreases. All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel at the same speed in a vacuum!
At the highest energy end, gamma rays can sterilise medical equipment and treat cancer, though ironically, they can also cause cancer with excessive exposure.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Radiation is simply energy emitted from a point. Some types, called ionising radiation, can change atoms by giving them an electrical charge – this is where things get interesting!
Atoms normally have a perfect balance of positive protons and negative electrons, making them electrically neutral. For example, a lithium atom has a mass of 7 and contains protons (mass 1, positive charge), neutrons (mass 1, no charge), and electrons (tiny mass, negative charge).
When ionising radiation hits an atom, it can knock out an electron. This creates an ion - an atom with an unbalanced charge. Since it lost a negative electron, the atom becomes positively charged. This process can damage living cells, which is why safety precautions are so important.
Safety first! When handling radioactive materials, always use tongs (never touch directly), keep samples in shielded containers , and minimise your exposure time.
These safety measures protect us from the harmful effects that ionising radiation can have on our bodies.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
When unstable atoms break down, they release different types of radiation. This breakdown is fascinating because it actually changes one element into another!
Alpha radiation happens when an unstable nucleus ejects an alpha particle (two protons and two neutrons). This creates a new atom with less mass than the original. Alpha particles are relatively large and can be stopped by something as thin as paper.
Beta radiation occurs when a neutron in the nucleus changes into a proton and an electron. The high-energy electron shoots out as a beta particle, creating a new element with the same mass but different properties. Beta particles can penetrate paper but are stopped by aluminum.
Gamma radiation is different - it's pure energy with no mass or charge. It often accompanies alpha or beta decay when the nucleus has excess energy to release. Gamma rays are the most penetrating form of radiation and require thick lead or concrete to block.
Did you know? Scientists can write nuclear decay equations to show exactly how one element changes into another during radioactive decay. These equations always balance - just like in chemistry!
Understanding these forms of radiation helps scientists develop medical treatments, energy sources, and important industrial tools.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Explore the fundamentals of electromagnetic waves, including the electromagnetic spectrum, wave properties, and applications in technology and medicine. This comprehensive guide covers key concepts such as refraction, radiation types, and the behavior of light and sound. Ideal for students preparing for exams in physics, this resource includes diagrams, calculations, and practical examples to enhance understanding.
PhysicsThis involves concepts in electromagnetic spectrum and its classifications.
PhysicsWAVES (paper 2 AQA)
PhysicsExplore the impact of electromagnetic radiation on human health, focusing on UV, X-rays, and gamma rays. Understand the principles of infrared radiation through experiments with the Leslie cube and thermal energy transfer. This summary covers key concepts in the electromagnetic spectrum, radiation types, and their effects on living tissue, making it essential for physics revision.
PhysicsExplore the visible light spectrum, including the properties of colors, how objects appear based on light interaction, and the function of color filters. This summary covers key concepts such as opaque, transparent, and translucent materials, and the science behind color perception. Ideal for students studying light phenomena.
PhysicsPhysics notes to define the basics of motion: displacement, velocity, and acceleration. They describe how to solve equations involving these variables and how to graph them (examples provided).
PhysicsApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
