Electromagnetic Waves Flashcards
What are the common properties of electromagnetic waves?
-They are transverse waves
-They can travel in a vacuum
-They travel at the same speed in a vacuum (3.0x 10 to the 8 m/s)
Electromagnetic waves also show properties common to all types of waves, what are they?
-They carry energy
-They can be reflected and refracted
-They obey the wave equation
How many members make up the electromagnetic spectrum?
Seven!
What wave has the lowest frequency and the longest wavelength?
Radio waves
What wave has the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency?
Gamma waves.
Finish the sentence: the higher the frequency of the radiation….?
The more damage it is likely to to cause to the body.
What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum starting with the wave with the lowest frequency and longest wavelength?
Radio, Micro, Infrared, Visible, Ultra-violet, X-rays, Gamma
What are the dangers of microwaves?
Internal heating of body tissues and are also linked with eye cataracts.
What are the dangers of infrared waves?
It is felt as heat and can cause burns.
What are the dangers of visible waves?
Intense visible light can cause temporary or permanent blindness.
What are the dangers ultra-violet waves?
Can damage cells skin cells and lead to skin cancer.
What are the dangers of gamma and x-ray waves?
Can cause cancer by disrupting DNA in body cells and causing mutations and cancer.
In gamma and x-ray waves how does the DNA get damaged?
By causing dangerous ionisations.
