EM Waves Flashcards
What are the types of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum?
-Radio
-Microwave
-Infared
-Visible
-Ultraviolet
-X-ray
-Gamma
What are the properties of EM waves?
-they are all transverse
-They can all travel through a vacuum
-they all travel at the same speed in a vacuum
What is the order of longest to shortest wavelength in the EM Spectrum?
-Radio waves have the longest wavelength
-Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength
What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
They are inversely proportional
What is the order of shortest to longest wavelength in the visible spectrum?
Violet has the shortest wavelength
Red has the longest wavelength
What are the uses of radio waves? Explain why?
Broadcasting and communications
Because they can be reflected from the earths atmosphere
What are the uses of microwaves? Explain why?
Cooking and satellite transmissions
Because microwaves can penetrate the earths atmosphere
What are the uses of infared waves? Explain why?
Heaters and night vision equipment
Because they can undergo TIR
What are the uses of visible light? Explain why?
Optical fibres and photography
Because Cameras are set up to detect visible light
What are the uses of ultraviolet waves? Explain why?
Fluorescent lamps
Because it fluoresces with ultraviolet lighting
What are the uses of X-Rays? Explain why?
Observing the internal structure of objects and materials; including medical applications
Because X-Rays can penetrate soft tissues but not bones
WWhat are the uses of Gamma rays? Explain why?
Sterilising food and medical equippment
Because Gamma kills bacteria
What are the risks of overexposure to microwaves?
Can cause heat damage to internal organs as water molecules inside the body absorb microwaves strongly
What are the risks of overexposure to infared rays?
They can burn skin
WHat are the risks of overexposure to UV rays?
Can cause sunburns and blindness, in really high concentrations it can harm cells and cause cancer
