This document provides a strategic intervention material on the electromagnetic spectrum for science learners. It includes activities to help students understand the key concepts of electromagnetic waves including their development, properties, applications and effects. The material guides students through reading, activities, assessments and references to build knowledge about electromagnetic theory and the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

1. A Strategic Intervention Material
in Science 10

2. Guide Card Have you ever heard the song “Tatlong Bibe” played over
the radio? How about the voice of your friend calling through
your cellphone?
What will be your reaction when you are watching your
favorite teleserye movie and suddenly your brother turned to
another channel? How about when your mom cook a snack
using your microwave oven?
All your answers are correct! The more you will be
fascinated how things happened through studying the
electromagnetic spectrum.
Through this Strategic Intervention Material, you will
understand better the different regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum; their applications and effects to living things and the
environment.

3. LEAST MASTEREDCOMPETENCY
1.Trace the development
of the electromagnetic
theory.
2. Compare the relative
wavelengths, frequencies
and energies of the
different regions of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
3. Cite examples of
practical applications of
the different regions of
EM waves.
4.Explain the effects of
electromagnetic
radiation on living things
and the environment.

4. TOTHE LEARNERS:
Use this SIM as your…
ADVIL – to relieve your pain
CENTRUM - to make you complete
ENERVON – to give you more energy
MYRA E – to keep you glowing
LACTUM – to make you 100% panatag
COKE – so you can open happiness
NESCAFE - para sa akin kayo bumabangon
COFFEEMATE – to make your day perfect!
1. Read
each
page
carefully.
2. Do the
assigned
task/activity to
the best of
your ability
3. Use the
reference
card to
answer the
difficult
ones.
4. Answer the
Assessment
Cards.
5. Check
your
work.
6. Enjoy the
SciTrail.
Good luck!

5. Hans Christian Oersted
1777-1851
JamesClerk Maxwell
1831-1879
ACTIVITY 1: KNOW ME
http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/hans-christian-oersted/
Heinrich Hertz
1857-1894
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Hertz
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Faraday
Michael Faraday
1791-1867
http://soulconnection.net/glossary_in_depth/maxwell.html
Image credit:
Fill-in the comic strips on the contributions of the
scientists in the development of the electromagnetic
theory.
Fit me
where I
belong!
OMG!The compass needle
move near the current-
carrying wire. This shows
electric current creates
magnetic field.
Hey Hans, the opposite
could be true! A changing
magnetic field produces an
electric field.
You both got it right!An
electromagnetic wave exists when
the changing magnetic field causes
a changing electric field, which then
causes another changing magnetic
field, and so on.
You got it right
Maxwell. I proved the
existence of EM waves!

6. 1. A moving charge creates ____________________________.
2. A changing magnetic field causes a changing _____________________.
3. The successive production of electric and magnetic field results to the creation
of _______________wave.
4. An EM wave propagates __________________ from the source.
5. The ________________ and 6. ___________________ vibrate at right angles
to the direction the wave travels so it is a 7. ____________________ wave.
8. Electromagnetic waves do not need _________________to transfer energy.
9. All matter contains charged particles that are always moving; therefore, all
_____________________ emit EM waves.
10. The modern understanding of light and color begins with
_____________________________..
Image credit:
http://www.school-for-
champions.com/science/magnetic_f
ield_moving_charges.htm#.VThZiy
aKCM8
Image credit:
http://www.astronomynotes.com/li
ght/s2.htm
1. ctngmaei ldfie
2. eeilctrc iedfl
3. ME
4. wardout
5 cctrleei
6. aeimgntc sdlfei
7. eeatrnsvrs
8. ttaemr
9. oestcjb
10. aacsI eoNnwt
ACTIVITY 2. FILL ME
DIRECTIONS: Unscramble the word/s and fill-in to the
appropriate blanks to complete the statements below.
Know more
about EM
Waves

7. EM WAVE Wavelength (m) Frequency (Hz) Energy (J)
Radio wave > 1 x 10-1 < 3 x 109 < 2x 10-24
Microwave 1 x 10-3 – 1 x 10-1 3 x 109 – 3 x 1011 2 x 10-24 – 2 x 10-22
Infrared 7 x 10-7 – 1 x 10-3 3 x 1011 – 4 x 1014 2 x 10-22 – 3 x 10-19
Visible 4 x 10-7 – 7 x 10-7 4 x 1014 – 7.5 x 1014 3 x 10-19 – 5 x 10-19
Ultraviolet
(UV)
1 x 10-8 – 4 x 10-7 7.5 x 1014 – 3 x 1016 5 x 10-19 – 2 x 10-17
X-ray 1 x 10-11 – 1 x 10-
8
3 x 1016 – 3 x 1019 2 x 10-17 – 2 x 10-14
Gamma ray < 1 x 10-8 > 3 x 1019 > 2 x 10-14
The electromagnetic waves’ wavelengths, frequencies, and energies
ACTIVITY 3
COMPARE ME
Compare the following EM
waves.
Description
(lower, higher,
longer, shorter)
1.Radio wave is ______ in
wavelength than the gamma-ray. _____________
2. Microwave is _______ in energy
than Infrared. _____________
3. Visible light is ________ in
frequency than X-ray. _____________
4. Radio wave is ________ in
energy than gamma-ray. _____________
5.Infrared is ________ in
wavelength than UV. _____________
6. Visible light is ________ in
frequency than radio wave. ____________
Which of the EM wave has the
following characteristics :
8. highest energy?
9. lowest energy?
10.longest wavelength?
11. shortest wavelength?
12. lowest frequency?
12. highest frequency?
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
_____________
Compare the relative wavelengths, frequencies and energies
of the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

8. EM WAVES
RADIO
WAVES
MICROWAVES INFRARED
VISIBLE
LIGHT UV
X-
RAYS
GAMMA
RAY
APPLICATIONS /USES
PICKYOURANSWER
HERE
ACTIVITY 4. USE ME
DIRECTION: Complete the chart by using the
words in the word bank.
Medical
treatment
Artificial
lighting,
optical fibers in
medical uses,
screen of
electronic
devices
Radio and
television
communicat
ion
Satellite
communications
RADAR,
television
transmission
Cooking
Remote control,
household
electrical
appliances,
autofocus
cameras, night-
vision goggles
Sterilization,
Fluorescence
Medical use,
engineering
applications

9. ACTIVITY 5
EXPLAIN IT TO ME
What are the effects of the following EM waves on living things and the
environment?
ULTRAVIOLET
(UV)
X-RAYS GAMMA RAYS
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Write your answers to the spaces provided below.

10. ASSESSMENT 1
DIRECTIONS: Match the scientists given below with their contribution.
Write the letter of the correct answer in the space provided below.
SCIENTISTS CONTRIBUTIONS ANSWER
1. Ampere a. Contributed in developing equations showing
the relationship of electricity and magnetism.
2. Faraday b. Showed experimental evidence of
electromagnetic waves and their link to light.
3. Hertz c. Demonstrated the magnetic effect based on the
direction of current.
4. Maxwel d. Formulated the principle behind
electromagnetic induction.
5. Oersted e. Showed how a current-carrying wire behaves
like a magnet.

11. ASSESSMENT 2
I. Multiple Choice
Direction: Write the letter of the best answer on the space provided before the
number.
_____1. Electromagnetic waves are produced by __________
A. currents
B. voltage source
C. any disturbance
D. vibrating charge
_____2. Which of the following forms of electromagnetic waves is used mostly
in communication?
A. X-ray
B. Infrared
C. Radio wave
D. Gamma rays
_____3. In the electromagnetic wave, the direction of the propagation of the
wave is __________
A. always to the right.
B. cannot be determined.
C. parallel to electric and magnetic field directions.
D. perpendicular to the electric and magnetic field directions.
_____4. Which of the following forms of electromagnetic waves has the widest
frequency range?
A. x-ray
B. microwave
C. ultraviolet
D. radio waves
____ _5. What happens to the frequency of the electromagnetic wave if its
wavelength increases?
A. decreases
B. increases as well
C. remains the same
D. can not tell; frequency and wavelength are two different
concepts
.
No Application Type of EM Wave
1 Satellite communications
2 Texting
3 TV Broadcasting
4 RADAR
5 Checking bankbook
signature
II. Below are the applications of electromagnetic
waves. State the type of electromagnetic waves used
by completing the table below.

12. ASSESSMENT 3
1.Look at the electromagnetic spectrum more closely this
time. What do you notice? Are the divisions of the regions
distinct? Write your answer on the spaces provided.
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
2.Using the same spectrum, determine the frequency and
wavelength ranges of each of the forms of electromagnetic
waves. Enter your data on the table.
EM WAVE
Frequency
(cycle/sec or Hz))
Wavelength (m)
Radio wave
Microwave
Infrared
Visible
Ultraviolet (UV)
X-ray
Gamma ray

13. ENRICHMENTACTIVITY
Complete the label of the electromagnetic spectrum ( the type in yellow & the size in blue)

14. EM WAVES AT A GLANCE
The higher the frequency, the more energy the wave has.
EM waves do not require media in which to travel or move.
EM waves are considered to be transverse waves because
they are made of vibrating electric and magnetic fields at
right angles to each other, and to the direction the waves
are traveling.
Inverse relationship between wave size and frequency: as
wavelengths get smaller, frequencies get higher.
Electromagnetic Waves
How they are formed
Waves made by vibrating electric charges that can travel
through space where there is no matter
Kind of wave
Transverse with alternating electric and magnetic fields.
Sometimes behave as waves or as particles (photons).
REFERENCE CARD
EM WAVES
1. RADIOWAVES
Radio waves have the longest wavelengths of all the
electromagnetic waves. They range from around a foot
long to several miles long. Radio waves are often used to
transmit data and have been used for all sorts of
applications including radio and television communication.
2. MICROWAVES
Microwaves are shorter than radio waves with wavelengths
measured in centimeters. We use microwaves to cook
food, transmit information, and in radar that helps to
predict the weather. Microwaves are useful in
communication because they can penetrate clouds,
smoke, and light rain. The universe is filled with cosmic
microwave background radiation that scientists believe are
clues to the origin of the universe they call the Big Bang.

15. 3. INFRARED WAVES
Between microwaves and visible light are infrared
waves. Infrared waves are sometimes classified as
"near" infrared and "far" infrared. Near infrared
waves are the waves that are closer to visible light in
wavelength. These are the infrared waves that are
used in your TV remote to change channels. Far
infrared waves are further away from visible light in
wavelength. Far infrared waves are thermal and give
off heat. Anything that gives off heat radiates
infrared waves.This includes the human body!
4.VISIBLE LIGHT
The visible light spectrum covers the wavelengths
that can be seen by the human eye. This is the range
of wavelengths from 390 to 700 nm which
corresponds to the frequencies 430-790THz
5. ULTRAVIOLETWAVES
Ultraviolet waves have the next shortest wavelength after
visible light. It is ultraviolet rays from the Sun that cause
sunburns. We are protected from the Sun's ultraviolet rays
by the ozone layer. Some insects, such as bumblebees,
can see ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is used by
powerful telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope to
see far away stars.
6. X-RAYS
X-rays have even shorter wavelengths than ultraviolet
rays. At this point in the electromagnetic spectrum,
scientists begin to think of these rays more as particles
than waves. X-rays were discovered by German scientist
Wilhelm Roentgen. They can penetrate soft tissue like
skin and muscle and are used to take X-ray pictures of
bones in medicine.
REFERENCE CARD

16. 7. GAMMA RAYS
As the wavelengths of electromagnetic waves get
shorter, their energy increases. Gamma rays are the
shortest waves in the spectrum and, as a result, have
the most energy. Gamma rays are sometimes used in
treating cancer and in taking detailed images for
diagnostic medicine. Gamma rays are produced in
high energy nuclear explosions and supernovas.
REFERENCE CARD
This picture is a
“scintigram” 
It shows an
asthmatic person’s
lungs.
The patient was given a slightly radioactive gas to
breath, and the picture was taken using a gamma
camera to detect the radiation.
The colors show the air flow in the lungs.

17. REFERENCE CARD
20-50 km above earth; absorbs Sun’s
harmful UV rays
Ozone layer is decreasing due to CFCs in
AC, refrigerators, & cleaning fluids

18. Forms of Electromagnetic Wave Sources Source Uses/Applications
Radio waves Vibrating electrons Wireless communication
Microwaves Vibrating electrons
Communication particularly long distance radio relay
systems, microwave ovens
Infrared Hot objects Missile guidance, long distance photography, medical
treatment, burglar alarms
Visible Light Very hot objects Vision
Ultraviolet Arcs and gas discharges Medical treatments, sanitation process
X-rays
Electrons striking a target
Medical purposes, security
Gamma Rays Nuclei of radioactive atoms Cancer treatment, metal defect detection, beneficial
mutations, food preservation
REFERENCE CARD

19. REFERENCE CARD
 The EM spectrum is the
ENTIRE range of EM waves
in order of increasing
frequency and decreasing
wavelength.
 As you go from left 
right, the wavelengths get
smaller and the frequencies
get higher. This is an inverse
relationship between wave
size and frequency. (As one
goes up, the other goes
down.) This is because the
speed of ALL EM waves is
the speed of light (300,000
km/s).

20. REFERENCE CARD
For more information, read the following reference materials and websites:
Acosta, Hermana D. et.al. (2015) Science 10 Learner’s Material, Department of Education
EASE Physics. Module 17. Lesson
Dangat, Alfonso S. Lecture on Positive Mind Set
www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/cms/lib/.../C12-Electromagnetic_Waves.ppt
www.ducksters.com/science/.../types_of_electromagnetic_waves.php
imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/toolbox/emspectrum1.html
teacherplant.weebly.com/.../5/0/.../g10_ntot_physics_em_spectrum.pptx
https://www.boundless.com › ... › The Electromagnetic Spectrum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_spectrum
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/toolbox/emspectrum1.html

21. Hey Hans, the opposite
could be true! A changing
magnetic field produces an
electric field.
Hans Christian Oersted
1777-1851
JamesClerk Maxwell
1831-1879
OMG!The compass needle
move near the current-
carrying wire. This shows
electric current creates
magnetic field.
ACTIVITY 1: How it came about…
http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/hans-christian-oersted/
You both got it right! An
electromagnetic wave exists
when the changing magnetic
field causes a changing electric
field, which then causes another
changing magnetic field, and so
on.
Heinrich Hertz
1857-1894
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich_Hertz
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Faraday
Michael Faraday
1791-1867
http://soulconnection.net/glossary_in_depth/maxwell.html
You got it right
Maxwell. I proved the
existence of EM waves!
Image credit:
ANSWER CARD

22. 1. A moving charge creates magnetic field
2. A changing magnetic field causes a changing electric field .
3. The successive production of electric and magnetic field results to the creation
of EM wave.
4. An EM wave propagates outward from the source.
5. The electric and 6. magnetic fields vibrate at right angles to the direction the
wave travels so it is a 7. transverse wave.
8. Electromagnetic waves do not need matter to transfer energy.
9. All matter contains charged particles that are always moving; therefore, all
objects emit EM waves.
10. The modern understanding of light and color begins with Isaac Newton.
Image credit:
http://www.school-for-
champions.com/science/magnetic_f
ield_moving_charges.htm#.VThZiy
aKCM8
Image credit:
http://www.astronomynotes.com/light/s
2.htm
1. ctngmaei ldfie
2. eeilctrc iedfl
3. ME
4. wardout
5 cctrleei
6. aeimgntc sdlfei
7. eeatrnsvrs
8. ttaemr
9. oestcjb
10. aacsI eoNnwt
ACTIVITY 2. FILL- IN ME
DIRECTIONS: Unscramble the word/s and fill-in to the appropriate blanks to complete the statements
below.
Know more
about EM
Waves
ANSWER CARD

23. EM WAVE Wavelength (m) Frequency (Hz) Energy (J)
Radio wave > 1 x 10-1 < 3 x 109 < 2x 10-24
Microwave 1 x 10-3 – 1 x 10-1 3 x 109 – 3 x 1011 2 x 10-24 – 2 x 10-22
Infrared 7 x 10-7 – 1 x 10-3 3 x 1011 – 4 x 1014 2 x 10-22 – 3 x 10-19
Visible 4 x 10-7 – 7 x 10-7 4 x 1014 – 7.5 x 1014 3 x 10-19 – 5 x 10-19
Ultraviolet
(UV)
1 x 10-8 – 4 x 10-7 7.5 x 1014 – 3 x 1016 5 x 10-19 – 2 x 10-17
X-ray 1 x 10-11 – 1 x 10-
8
3 x 1016 – 3 x 1019 2 x 10-17 – 2 x 10-14
Gamma ray < 1 x 10-8 > 3 x 1019 > 2 x 10-14
The electromagnetic waves’ wavelengths, frequencies, and energies
ACTIVITY 3
COMPARE ME
Compare the following EM waves.
Description
(lower, higher,
longer, shorter)
1.Radio wave is ______ in
wavelength than the gamma-ray.
longer
2. Microwave is _______ in energy
than Infrared.
lower
3. Visible light is ________ in
frequency than X-ray.
lower
4. Radio wave is ________ in
energy than gamma-ray.
lower
5.Infrared is ________ in
wavelength than UV.
longer
6. Visible light is ________ in
frequency than radio wave.
higher
Which of the EM wave has the
following characteristics :
8. highest energy?
9. lowest energy?
10.longest wavelength?
11. shortest wavelength?
12. lowest frequency?
12. highest frequency?
Gamma ray
Radio wave
Radio wave
Gamma ray
Radio wave
Gamma ray
Compare the relative wavelengths, frequencies and energies
of the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
ANSWER CARD

24. EM WAVES
RADIO
WAVES
MICROWAVES INFRARED
VISIBLE
LIGHT UV
X-
RAYS
GAMMA
RAY
APPLICATIONS /USES
Radio and
television
communicat
ion
Satellite
communications
RADAR,
television
transmission
Cooking
Remote control,
household
electrical
appliances,
autofocus
cameras, night-
vision goggles
Artificial
lighting,
optical fibers in
medical uses,
screen of
electronic
devices
Sterilization,
Fluorescence
Medical use,
engineering
applications
Medical
treatment
ACTIVITY 4. USE ME
DIRECTION: Complete the chart
by using the words in the word
bank.
ANSWER CARD

25. ACTIVITY 5
EXPLAIN IT TO ME
What are the effects of the following EM waves on living things and the
environment?
ULTRAVIOLET
(UV)
X-RAYS
GAMMA
RAYS
UV produces vitamin D in the skin and
gives us tanning effect. However, it
could burn the skin, hurt our eyes.
Overexposure can cause skin cancer.
The ozone layer of the Earth filters the
dangerous UV rays from the sun.
All X-rays are dangerous because
they can damage healthy living cells
in the body. Too much exposure can
damage body tissues and can cause
cancer.
Gamma rays carry the highest
amount of energy, thus, they are
more dangerous. They can kill
living cells.
ANSWER CARD

26. I. Multiple Choice
1. D
2. C
3. D
4. D
5. A
II.
1. Microwaves
2. Microwaves
3. Radiowaves
4. Microwaves
5. Ultraviolet
ASSESSMENT 2
2. EM Wave Frequency Wavelength
Range (hertz) Range (meters)
Radio Waves 102 –1012 10-4 -106
Microwaves 109-1010 10-1-10-3
Infrared 1011-1014 10-6-10-3
Visible Light 1014-1015 10-7-10-3
Ultraviolet 1015-1017 10-9-10-7
X-rays 1017-1019 10-12-10-8
Gamma rays 1018-1025 10-17-10-11
ASSESSMENT 3
1. Different forms of electromagnetic waves are used for different
purposes, although some have common uses. For instance, X-rays,
gamma rays and ultraviolet rays are used for medical purposes. Radio
waves and microwaves are both used in wireless communication. In
terms of properties, the different forms also have different frequency
and hence different wavelengths. The gamma rays are high frequency
waves and the radio waves are the low frequency waves.
ASSESSMENT 1
1. c
2. d
3. b
4. a
5. e
ANSWER CARD

27. ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY Complete the label of the electromagnetic spectrum ANSWER CARD

28. If you got :
91-100 Excellent
81-90 Very Good
71-80 Good
61-70 Fair
60 & below Take the
challenge
again