More Uses of EM Waves

Question 1

Name two types of EM wave that are used in sterilisation

Answer 1

Gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation

Question 2

Give one use of visible light

Answer 2

E.g. photography, vision, illumination of objects

Question 3

Which type of EM wave is used in airport security scanners?

Answer 3

X-rays

Question 4

Name two types of EM wave that are used with photographic film.

Answer 4

Visible light and X-rays

Question 5

How are gamma rays used in cancer treatment

Answer 5

Gamma radiation is targeted at cancer cells to kill them

Question 6

Explain how UV light can be used to detect forged bank notes

Answer 6

Genuine bank notes have special markings that only show UV light, so forged bank notes can be detected by looking at them under a UV light

Question 7

Explain how fluorescent lamps use EM waves

Answer 7

Fluorescent chemicals in the lamp absorb UV light and then emit visible light.

Question 8

By comparing how well different materials absorb X-rays, explain why X-rays are used in medical imaging

Answer 8

X-rays are used in medical imaging because bone and other dense material absorb X-rays but less dense material like flesh transmits them. X-rays that aren’t absorbed pass through the body and are detected by a plate on the other side. This allows a negative image of bone and dense material to be formed