Use and Dangers of EM Waves Flashcards
What types of waves can be produced by oscillations in an electrical circuit?
Radio waves
Where do gamma rays originate from?
They originate from changes in the nuclei of atoms
What health effects can ultraviolet waves cause?
- They can cause the skin to age prematurely
- They can increase the risk of developing skin cancer
What health effects can cause X-rays and Gamma rays cause?
- They are ionising radiation so can cause mutations in genes
- They can keas to increased risk of developing various cancers
What health effects can infrared rays cause?
Infrared waves can cause burns to skin/tissue
How does electromagnetic radiation affect electron arrangement in atoms?
Absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation can cause electron arrangement to change. (It can remove electrons from the atom or move electrons further from the nucleus)
How do atoms become ions?
By losing an outer electron
What are the effects of body cells absorbing radiation?
Large amounts can damage cells.
Smaller amounts cause mutation, causing cells to divide rapidly, which can lead to cancer.
State a use of radio waves.
Communications, because radio waves are long wavelength and can travel long distances without losing quality
State and explain a use of microwaves.
Cooking, as microwaves are absorbed by heat fat/water in foods
State and explain uses of infrared radiation.
Cooking food (as it transfers thermal energy) infrared cameras, short range communication
State and explain uses of infrared radiation.
Illuminating (i.e. seeing) and fibre optics, as they reflect best in glass (other waves have wavelengths that are too long/short)
State and explain uses of UV radiation.
Sterilisation, as it kills bacteria, energy efficient lamps, as it radiates low heat but high energy , and sun tanning etc.
State and explain uses of X rays.
Medical imaging and treatment, because they are very high energy and can easily penetrate body tissues
State and explain use of gamma rays.
Gamma rays are used in medical treatments, such as radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer
