SP5 - Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
What is a spectrum?
A range.
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
A range of waves with different wavelengths and frequencies. (Light waves)
What are the names of the waves on the electromagnetic spectrum?
Radio waves
Micro-waves
Infra-red
Visible light
Ultra violet
X-rays
Gamma rays
What are the uses of radio waves?
TV
Radios
Telecommunications
What are the dangers of radio waves?
There are none
What are the uses of micro-waves?
Radar
Cooking
Telecommunications
What are the dangers of micro-waves?
Burns
Cancer
What are the uses of visible light?
To see
What are the dangers of visible light?
Eye damage
What are uses of ultraviolet?
Discos
Tanning
Counterfeit detecting
What are the dangers of ultraviolet?
Skin cancer
What are the uses of x-rays?
Medical imagery
Security
What are the dangers of x-rays?
Cancer
What are the uses of gamma rays?
Cancer treatment
Observing the universe
What are the dangers of gamma rays?
Cancer
What are the similarities between all the waves on the electromagnetic spectrum?
They all are transverse waves
They all travel at the same speed
They all travel through a vacuum
How do x-rays allow doctors the see images inside our bodies?
The x-rays penetrate through the body and are absorbed by our bones, which enable doctors to see if our bones are broken or fractured.
How are radio waves produced?
The transmitter oscillates electrons
How are radio waves detected?
Radio waves induce oscillations in the receivers.
Why does excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation harm us?
The rays damage skin cells, which can lead to cancer or cataracts.
Why does excessive exposure to gamma radiation harm us?
The radiation can cause DNA damage, which can lead to cancer
Why does excessive exposure to micro-waves harm us?
The waves cause a heating affect which damages you body cells.
Why do Gamma rays do more damage than radio waves?
They have a higher frequency.
Out of all the waves on the electromagnetic spectrum which has the highest and lowest frequency?
Radio waves - lowest
Gamma rays - highest
Out of all the waves on the electromagnetic spectrum which has the longest and shortest wavelength?
Radio waves - longest
Gamma rays - shortest
