CP5 The Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
What are the possible harmful effects of microwaves?
internal heating of body cells
What are the possible harmful effects of infrared?
skin burns
What are the possible harmful effects of UV?
damage to surface cells and eyes leaeding to skin cancer and eye conditions
What are the possible harmful effects of X-rays and gamma rays?
mutation or damage to cells in the body that can cause cancer
Which types of electromagnetic radiation is used for satellite transmission?
Microwaves and radiowaves
What type of electromagnetic radiation is used for disinfecting water?
Ultraviolet
What type of electromagnetic radiation is used for colour photography?
Visible Light
What type of electromagnetic radiation is used for scanning for broken bones?
X-rays
What type of electromagnetic radiation is used for thermal imaging?
Infrared
Lists the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum from highest to lowest frequency
Gamma, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible Light, Infrared, Microwave, Radiowaves
What are the dangers of X-rays to humans?
x-rays are ionising so they can cause cancer
What type of electromagnetic wave is used for sterilising food and medical equipment?
Gamma
What type of electromagnetic wave is used for the detection of cancer and its treatment?
Gamma
What type of electromagnetic radiation is used for detecting forged bank notes and security marking?
UV
What type of electromagnetic radiation is used for television remote controls and other short range communication?
infrared
How are radiowaves produced?
by oscillations in electric circuits - i.e. alternating currents (just a bit faster than in normal AC)
How are radiowaves detected?
They induce oscillations in electric circuits (i.e. a changing current can be measured with an ammeter)
When an electron or nucleus moves to a lower energy level an ______________ _____ is emitted.
electromagnetic wave
How are gamma waves produced?
After alpha or beta decay the nucleus of the atom changes shape (moves to a lower energy level) and emits a gamma wave
An electromagnetic wave can be absorbed by an ______ or _________ that causes changes.
atom or nucleus
What happens when white light is shone through a triangular prism?
the light is split up into a spectrum of light - called dispersion
Why does white light form a spectrum when refracted through a triangular prism?
the light is refracted different amounts based on its wavelength
