Electromagnetic Waves

Question 1

On the electromagnetic spectrum, what lies between visible light and X-rays?

Answer 1

Ultraviolet

Question 2

Give one type of EM wave that can cause mutations in cells

Answer 2

X rays or gamma rays

Question 3

Describe how the wavelength and frequency of EM waves change as the spectrum progresses from radio waves through to gamma rays.

Answer 3

Wavelength decreases and frequency increases

Question 4

What are the similarities between all EM waves

Answer 4

e.g. All EM waves are transverse, all EM waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum and all EM waves transfer energy from a source to an absorber

Question 5

What dangers are associated with exposure to UV radiation?

Answer 5

damage to skin cells, eye conditions, blindness, and skin cancer

Question 6

EM waves transfer energy from place to place. Give an example of this

Answer 6

Energy is transferred from hot objects to their surroundings by infrared waves

Question 7

Lorena says “Electromagnetic waves with higher frequencies tend to be more harmful” Do you agree with her? Justify your answer.

Answer 7

Yes, the higher the frequency of the radiation, the more energy it carries, meaning it could do more damage.

Question 8

EM waves with a broad range of frequencies are absorbed and emitted by atoms. Explain how this is possible.

Answer 8

EM radiation is absorbed or emitted when an atom or its nucleus undergoes a change. Since atoms undergo lots of different changes, a broad range of frequencies is absorbed and emitted