ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM Flashcards
define electromagnetic waves
Transverse waves that transfer energy from the source of the waves to an absorber
What are the similar properties of all EM waves
- They are all transverse
- They can all travel through a vacuum
- They all travel at the same speed in a vacuum
List the EM waves in order from lowest frequency to highest frequency
- Radio-waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared
- Visible Light
- Ultraviolet
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
why is it dangerous with radiation with higher energy/frequency?
Highly ionising
Harmful to cells and tissues causing cancer
What is the use of radio waves?
broadcasting and communications
What is the use of microwaves?
cooking and satellite transmissions
What is the use of infrared?
heaters and night vision equipment
What is the use of visible light?
optical fibres and photography
What is the use of ultraviolet?
fluorescent lamps
security marking
What is the use of x-rays?
observing internal structure of objects and materials, including for medical applications
What is the use of gamma rays?
sterilising food and medical equipment
treating cancer
what is the danger of microwaves?
possible heat damage to internal organs
what is the danger of infrared?
skin burns
what is the danger of visible light?
bright light can cause eye damage
what is the danger of ultraviolet?
eye damage
sun burn
skin cancer
