# 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.

> Eduqas A-Level Physics — 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. The waves differ in frequency (and wavelength / energy)
4. Gamma rays have the highest frequency (and radio waves have the lowest frequency) in the spectrum
5. Electromagnetic waves transfer energy from source to absorber

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Physics](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/electromagnetic-waves-form-a-continuous-spectrum-c3419021) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.