Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
RMIVUXG
Radiowaves; Microwaves; Infrared; Visible light; Ultraviolet; X-Rays; Gamma waves.
ROYGBIV
Red; Orange; Yellow; Green; Blue; Indigo; Violet.
How are frequency and wavelength related in the electromagnetic spectrum?
Going down the spectrum, frequency increases and wavelength decreases. At one extreme, radiowaves have a wavelength of ~10^3 metres, and a frequency of ~10^4 Hz. At the other, gamma waves have a wavelength of ~10^-12 metres, and a frequency of ~10^20 Hz.
What is a use of radiowaves?
Broadcasting and communications.
What are uses and detrimental effects of microwaves?
Use: Cooking and satellite transmissions.
Detrimental effect: Causes internal heating of body tissue.
What are uses and detrimental effects of infrared?
Use: Heaters and night vision equipment.
Detrimental effect: Causes skin burns.
What is a use of visible light?
Optical fibres and photography.
What are uses and detrimental effects of ultraviolet?
Use: Fluorescent lamps.
Detrimental effect: Causes damage to surface cells and blindness.
What is a use of X-Rays?
Observing the internal structure of objects and materials, including for medical applications.
What are uses and detrimental effects of Gamma rays?
Use: Sterilising food and medical equipment.
Detrimental effect: Causes cancer and genetic mutations.
