EM spectrum Flashcards
radio waves
- TV, radio, bluetooth
- low energy waves, not harmful
microwaves
- satellite communications
- travel in straight lines
infrared
- electrical heaters, food
- absorber in food and converted back into heat
visible light
-fibre optic communications
ultraviolet
- energy efficient light bulbs, sun beds
- UV waves are produced by gas in bulb when it is excited by electric current, then these waves are absorbed by coating on bulb which giving out visible light
x rays
- medial
- penetrate soft tissue but not bone
gamma rays
- sterilising food, treats tumours
- destroys bacteria
radio waves can be caused by oscillations in
electrical circuits
the frequency of the radio wave produced matches
frequency of electrical oscillations (this is how a radio signal is produced)
when radio waves are absorbed by a conductor they may create
an alternating current with the same frequency as the radio wave (this is how signals are received)
electrons moving between energy levels as a result of heat or electrical excitation can generate
waves
changes in the nucleus of an atom can generate
waves eg unstable nucleus can give out excess energy as gamma rays