Scale Model of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Purpose: You will construct a scale model of the electromagnetic spectrum, then identify and
compare the different types of waves in the spectrum.
Materials:
Paper
Meter stick
Colored Pencils
Scissors
Glue
Procedure:
1. Fold and cut the two sheets of paper in half “hot dog style”.
2. Attach the ends of a few sheets of paper together with glue.
3. Using the meter stick, draw a 1-meter-long arrow across the bottom of the page, about
on meter stick width from the bottom. The arrow should point towards the right.
4. Draw a second line parallel to the one you just drew, leaving about 4 cm between the
lines. The arrow should point towards the left.
5. Label the bottom arrow “Increasing Wavelength”.
6. Label the top arrow “Increasing Energy”.
7. Starting on the left end of the line (0 cm), mark the line every 5 cm.
8. The scale you will be using is based on the powers of ten. Starting with 5 cm, label
each mark in order with the following measurements:
0.00001 nm
0.0001 nm
0.001 nm
0.01 nm
0.1 nm
1 nm
10 nm
100 nm
0.001 mm
0.01 mm
0.1 mm
1 mm
1 cm
10 cm
1m
10 m
100 m
1 km
10 km
9. Using the diagram as a guide, draw a wave between the two lines you drew. The line
should show a change in wavelength (left side very short, right side long), but the
amplitude of the wave should not change. The crests and troughs should touch the
lines the entire length of the spectrum.
10. Using the information in the table below, measure and mark the appropriate section of
the wave with the corresponding wave name. For example, starting on the left hand
side, measure from 0 cm to 25 cm, draw a line and label the section “Gamma Rays”.
Do the same with the rest of the wave types.
Type of Wave
Gamma Rays
X-rays
Ultraviolet
Visible Light
Infrared
Microwaves
Radio
Wavelengths
0.01 nm or less
0.01 nm to 10 nm
10 nm to 390 nm (just before half
way to 0.001mm)
390 nm to 700 nm (just after half way
to 0.001mm)
700 nm to 1 mm
1 mm to 1 m
1 m and larger
11. Above the wave names, draw or cut out the pictures that represent the uses of each
type of wave. Here are some examples:
a. Gamma Rays – Radioactive Elements
b. X-Rays – X-Ray Picture
c. Ultraviolet Rays – Sun
d. Visible Light Rays – Light Bulb
e. Infrared Rays – Humans or Remote Control
f. Microwave Rays – Microwave Oven
g. Radio Rays – AM/FM Radio or Cell Phones
12. At the very top of your paper, title your model.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
13. Glue your Electromagnetic Spectrum Model into your ISN. Fold it to fit when closed.
Questions:
Glue in and answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Which type of wave on the electromagnetic spectrum has the longest wavelength?
2. Which type of wave on the electromagnetic spectrum has the shortest wavelength?
3. Which type of wave on the electromagnetic spectrum has the highest frequency?
4. Which type of wave on the electromagnetic spectrum has the lowest frequency?
5. Which type of electromagnetic radiation could be used to “see” atoms?
6. Some insects, like bees, can see light of shorter wavelengths than humans can see.
What kind of radiation do you think a bee sees?
7. Write a conclusion about the Electromagnetic Spectrum and why it relates to this unit.