Waves - The Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
what is the electromagnetic spectrum?
a continuous spectrum of waves of differing frequency
what properties do all electromagnetic waves have?
- transfer energy
- transverse waves
- travel at the speed of light in a vacuum
- can be reflected and refracted
what are all the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum?
in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength:
- radio waves
- microwaves
- infrared (IR)
- visible light
- ultraviolet (UV)
- x-rays
- gamma rays
what are the uses of radio waves?
broadcasting and communications
what are the uses of microwaves?
cooking and satellite transmissions
what are the uses of infrared waves?
heaters and night vision equipment
what are the uses of visible light waves?
optical fibres and photography
what are the uses of ultraviolet waves?
fluorescent lamps
what are the uses of x-ray waves?
observing the internal structure of objects and materials, including for medical applications
what are the uses of gamma rays?
sterilising food and medical equipment
what are the dangers of microwaves?
internal heating of body tissue
what are the dangers of infrared waves?
skin burns
what are the dangers of ultraviolet waves?
damage to surface cells and blindness
what are the dangers of gamma rays?
cancer, mutation
how do you reduce the risk of ultraviolet waves?
wear sun glasses, sun cream and stay in shade
