Electromagnetic Radiation & the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Question 1

Radiation

Answer 1

The movement of energy through space.

Question 2

Mechanical Waves

Answer 2

Waves that need a medium to go through.

Question 3

Longitudinal Waves

Answer 3

Waves that vibrate the medium parallel (in the same plane) to the direction of wave motion.

Question 4

Medium

Answer 4

The type of matter that waves move through, which can be any solid, liquid, or gas.

Question 5

Wavelength

Answer 5

(ƛ) Represented by lambda, the distance it takes a wave to complete one complete up and down motion or vibration (one complete wave cycle).

Question 6

Frequency

Answer 6

(Hz) The number of vibrations a wave makes per second, called Hertz.

Question 7

Speed

Answer 7

(C) The speed of light is 300,000,000 m/s (constant speed). Nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.

Question 8

Vacuum

Answer 8

Space that is completely empty and contains no matter.

Question 9

Energy

Answer 9

Electromagnetic waves don’t lose energy as they travel. The higher the frequency of the wave, the higher the energy.

Question 10

Radio Waves

Answer 10

They have the longest wavelength and lowest frequency/energy.

Question 11

Gamma Rays

Answer 11

They have the shortest wavelength and highest frequency/energy

Question 12

Example(s) for Radio Waves:

Answer 12

Radio (navigation)

Question 13

Example(s) for Microwaves:

Answer 13

communications, radar, navigation, heating, radio astronomy

Question 14

*Example(s) for Infrared Light

Answer 14

Remote Controls, Thermal Cameras, Night Vision Goggles

Question 15

Infrared Light

Answer 15

Infrared radiation is emitted by objects when they give off heat. Thermal imaging cameras and night goggles can detect this heat and transfer the different levels of heat into different colors on their displays.

Question 16

Example(s) for Visible Light

Answer 16

Objects we see with color (opaque/transparent)

Question 17

*UVA

Answer 17

UVA waves have a wavelength of 400 and 315 nm. UVA Rays account for 95% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth. They are present with equal intensity at all daylight hours throughout the year and can penetrate both clouds and glass. It is the UVA rays that are the primary reason why skin will “tan”. Tanning is the body’s defense against further damage to DNA caused by UVA rays.

Question 18

*UVB

Answer 18

UVB waves have a wavelength of 315 and 280 nm. The intensity of UVB rays varies depending on the time of day, year, and location. In the United States, UVB rays are at their highest intensity from 10 AM to 4 PM during the months of APril to October. UVB rays are more intense at higher elevations, and on reflective surfaces, such as snow or ice. They do not penetrate glass.

Question 19

*UVC

Answer 19

UVC waves have a wavelength of 280 and 100 nm. Most UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and don’t reach the surface of the Earth.

Question 20

*Similarities between UV Waves

Answer 20

UVA and UVB rays have adverse effects on humans. Both types of radiation cause premature aging of the sin and skin cancer.

Question 21

*Example(s) for X-Rays

Answer 21

medical field for imaging

Question 22

*Example(s) for Gamma Rays

Answer 22

Can ionize atoms (rip electrons away from atoms) or Radiosurgery (“Gamma Knife”).