6.2 Electromagnetic waves (Combined) Flashcards
What type of spectrum do electromagnetic waves form?
A continuous spectrum
Order the types of electromagnetic radiation from lowest to highest frequency
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared waves
- Visible light waves
- Ultraviolet waves
- X-Rays
- Gamma rays
How do the speeds of electromagnetic radiation differ in a vacuum and in air?
Electromagnetic waves all travel at the same speed in a vacuum and in air
What property of waves in different mediums causes refraction? (Higher)
Velocity - wave speed is slower in denser materials, causing refraction
In which direction (relative to the normal) do waves refract when entering a denser medium?
They bend towards the normal. The angle of reflection is less than the angle of incidence.
What type of waves can be produced by oscillations in an electrical circuit? (Higher)
Radio waves
How can radio waves create an alternating current in a circuit? (Higher)
When radio waves are absorbed, they can induce oscillations in a circuit with the same frequency as the waves themselves.
Where do gamma rays originate from?
They originate from changes in the nuclei of atoms
What health effects can ultraviolet waves cause?
They can cause the skin to age prematurely and increase the risk of developing skin cancer
What health effects can x-rays and gamma rays cause?
They are ionising radiation, which can cause mutations in genes. It can also lead to an increased risk of developing various cancers.
Give three practical uses for infrared radiation
● Electrical heaters
● Infrared cameras
● Cooking food
Give two practical uses for microwave radiation
● Satellite communications
● Cooking food
Give two practical uses for radio waves
● Television transmission
● Radio transmission
