Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
What are the 7 types of radiations on the electromagnetic spectrum (in order)?
The seven types of radiations on the electromagnetic spectrum are radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma.
What are the properties of infrared radiation and what are some applications of them?
-Infrared radiation has wavelengths ranging from about 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm).
Corresponding frequencies range from about 300 GHz (gigahertz) to 430 THz (terahertz).
-Infrared radiation is often associated with heat. When absorbed by materials, it increases their thermal energy, causing them to warm up. This property is utilized in applications such as infrared heaters and thermal imaging.
-Thermal Imaging: Used in night-vision devices, security cameras, and medical diagnostics to detect heat emitted by objects.
-Remote Controls: Infrared LEDs are used in remote control devices for TVs, air conditioners, and other electronics.
-Communications: Infrared light is used in short-range communication systems, such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standards.
-Spectroscopy: Used to identify substances based on their infrared absorption spectra, useful in chemistry and astronomy.
Heating: Infrared heaters provide warmth in homes, saunas, and industrial processes.
What are the properties of visible light and what are some of its applications?
-Visible light has wavelengths ranging from approximately 380 nanometers (nm) to 750 nanometers (nm).
Corresponding frequencies range from about 400 THz (terahertz) to 790 THz.
-Different materials absorb different wavelengths of visible light. This selective absorption is what gives objects their color. For example, a red apple appears red because it absorbs other wavelengths and reflects red light.
-Visible light is crucial for the process of photosynthesis in plants, enabling them to convert light energy into chemical energy.
-It regulates the circadian rhythms in humans and animals, influencing sleep patterns and hormone production.
-Prolonged exposure to intense visible light, especially blue light, can cause eye strain and potential damage to the retina.
-An application can be fiber-optic cables.
What are the properties of X-ray and what are its applications?
-X-rays have wavelengths ranging from about 0.01 nanometers (nm) to 10 nanometers (nm).
-Exposure to high doses of X-rays can damage living tissues and cells, leading to radiation sickness, DNA damage, and an increased risk of cancer.
-X-rays are used in medical imaging (e.g., X-ray radiography, computed tomography scans) to visualize internal structures and diagnose diseases.
-Medical Imaging: X-rays are widely used in medicine for diagnostic imaging, including detecting fractures, tumors, and abnormalities in the body.
-Security Screening: X-ray scanners are used in airports and other security checkpoints to inspect luggage and detect contraband.
Industrial Inspection: X-rays are used to inspect welds, pipes, and other structures for defects in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, and construction.
-Scientific Research: X-rays are used in various scientific disciplines, including materials science, biology, chemistry, and physics, to investigate the structure and properties of matter.
What are the properties of gamma rays and what are its applications?
-Gamma rays have wavelengths shorter than 0.01 nanometers (nm).
-Exposure to high doses of gamma rays can cause severe damage to living tissues and cells, leading to radiation sickness, DNA damage, and an increased risk of cancer. Gamma rays are used in cancer therapy (radiotherapy) to destroy cancerous cells and shrink tumors.
-Gamma rays are capable of ionizing atoms and molecules by knocking electrons out of their orbits, resulting in the formation of ions. This property makes gamma rays highly damaging to biological tissues.
-Medical Imaging and Therapy: Gamma rays are used in nuclear medicine for imaging (e.g., gamma camera) and therapy (e.g., brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy).
-Industrial Applications: Gamma rays are used in industrial radiography to inspect the integrity of welds, pipes, and structures, as well as in sterilization processes for medical equipment and food products.
-Scientific Research: Gamma rays are used in various scientific disciplines, including astrophysics, nuclear physics, and environmental monitoring, to study the properties of matter and the universe.
