Uses and Dangers of EM Waves Flashcards
What type of waves can be produced by oscillations
in an electrical circuit?
Radio waves
How can radio waves create an
alternating current in a circuit?
When radio waves are absorbed, they
can induce oscillations in a circuit with
the same frequency as the waves
themselves.
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
● The can increase the risk of
developing skin cancer
What health effects can X-rays and Gamma rays
cause?
● They are ionising radiation so can
cause mutations in genes
● They can lead 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 gaining or 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 and 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 visible light
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.
