P3.3 - The Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
What is the electromagnetic spectrum? [1]
The family of electromagnetic waves.
What are the main regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of decreasing wavelength? [7]
- Radiowave
- Microwave
- Infrared
- Visible Light
- Ultraviolet
- X-ray
- Gamma Ray
What speed do ALL electromagnetic waves travel at, in a vacuum? [1]
3.0 x 10^8
What are the frequencies like for Radio Waves? [1]
less than 300GHz
What are the frequencies like for Visible Light? [1]
430THz - 770THz
What are the frequencies like for Gamma Rays? [1]
higher than 300PHz
What are the uses of Radio Waves? [2]
- radio and television transmissions
- radar
What are the uses of Micro Waves? [2]
- mobile phones
- microwave ovens
What are the uses of Infrared Radiation? [2]
- thermal vision
- TV remote signals
What are the uses of Visible Light? [2]
- vision
- photography
What are the uses of Ultraviolet Light? [2]
- chemical tests
- ‘black lights’ for forensic analysis
What are the uses of X-Rays? [2]
- medical scanning
- security scanners
What are the uses of Gamma Rays? [2]
- detecting cancer
- medical imaging
What are the dangers of Ultraviolet Light? [3]
- can cause skin cancer and eye
conditions - human DNA can be damaged
- damage to surface cells and eyes
What are the dangers of X-Rays? [2]
- can penentrate the skin
- can ionise molecules in human cells
What are the dangers of Gamma Rays? [3]
- get cancer
- cells would be damaged by ionisation
- DEATH
How are wavelength and frequency related? [2]
frequency increases as wavelength decreases
What are properties of electromagnetic waves? [3]
- do not need a medium
- transverse waves
- travel at same speed
