electromagnetic waves Flashcards
what are the different electromagnetic waves from lowest frequency to highest frequency?
Radio Waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma
what are 4 similarities of electromagnetic waves?
- transverse
-travel through a vaccum
-travel through vaccum same speed
-can be refracted and reflected
which 3 are the most ionising
ultra violet, X-rays, gamma rays, can cause cancer
how are radio waves emitted?
electrical circuits vibrate to produce
what are microwaves used for
heat food, communicate to satellite transmissions
how is infrared radiation produced?
all objects emit, specifically through heat as it makes more
how are gamma rays produced?
unstable isotopes decay and emit from nuclei
what is infrared radiation used for?
TV control, heat cameras, heat food, electrical heaters, tattoo + hair removal
how is visible light produced?
electrons fall from high energy levels to small, visible light photons are produced
what is UV used for?
detect forgery, energy efficient lamps
What are X-rays used for?
to take photos of bones, airport security
what is Gamma used for?
kill cancerous cells, sterilize surgical equipment, medical imaging
what is a danger to infrared radiation?
burns
