Electromagnetic Waves Flashcards
What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
A group of waves of different frequencies that forms a continuous spectrum
What are the different frequencies of waves that make up the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible Light, Ultraviolet, X-Rays, Gamma Rays
In order of decreasing wavelength, increasing frequency
What type of wave is an Electromagnetic Wave?
Transverse Wave
What is a Transverse Wave?
Wave with vibrations at right angles to direction of transfer of energy
What are Electromagnetic Waves?
Oscillating electric and magnetic fields
What emits electromagnetic waves and where do they go after this?
Waves transfer energy from sources eg. sun, microwave ovens to absorbers eg. skin, food
How do you produce radiowaves?
Oscillating p.d. across a wire makes electrons move backwards and forwards producing changing electric and magnetic field emitted as a radiowave
OR
By movement of electrons in atoms
How do you detect radiowaves?
When changing electric and magnetic fields meet another piece of metal, it makes the electrons move, producing an electrical signal