# Electromagnetic waves form a continuous spectrum. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum, including the properties shared by all electromagnetic waves and how the waves differ from one another across the spectrum.

> WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales) — 6.2 Particle physics and the standard model (A-Level only) · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves
2. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum (3 × 10⁸ m/s)
3. Electromagnetic waves transfer energy from the source to an absorber
4. The waves differ in frequency (and wavelength) across the spectrum
5. Gamma rays have the highest frequency (and shortest wavelength) and radio waves have the lowest frequency (and longest wavelength)

## Key terms

- [electromagnetic spectrum](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromagnetic-spectrum)
- [electromagnetic waves](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromagnetic-waves)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Physics (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/electromagnetic-waves-form-a-continuous-spectrum-02292a10) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.