Electromagnetic Waves Flashcards
What type of spectrum do electromagnetic waves form?
A continuous spectrum
Order the types of electromagnetic radiation from lowest to highest frequency
Radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays
How do the speeds of electromagnetic radiation differ in a vacuum and in air
All travel at the same speed in a vacuum and in air
What property of waves in different mediums causes refraction?
Velocity; wave speed is slower in denser materials
In which direction do waves refract when entering a denser medium?
Bend towards normal.
Where do gamma rays originate from?
Changes in the nuclei of atoms
What health effects can ultraviolet waves cause?
Cause the skin to age prematurely
Can increase risk of skin cancer
What health effects can x-rays and gamma rays cause?
Ionising radiation causes mutations in genes
Increased risk of developing cancers
Give 3 practical uses for infrared radiation
Electrical heaters
Cooking food
Infrared cameras
Give 2 uses for microwave radiation
Cooking food
Satellite communications
Give 2 uses for radio waves
TV transmission
Radio transmission
What colour of visible light has the highest frequency?
Blue
What colour of visible light has the largest wavelength?
Red
