Electromagnetic Spectrum

Question 1

Electromagnetic waves

Answer 1

Transverse waves, transferring energy
-travel through vacuums at 3x10^8 m/s

Question 2

Electromagnetic spectrum

Answer 2

High frequency, short wavelength
Gamma rays
X rays
UV
Visible light
Infrared
Microwaves
Radio waves
Lowest frequency, largest wavelength

Question 3

Gamma rays

Answer 3

Produced during nuclear decay of a nucleus of a radioactive isotope

Uses
-sterilisation
-medical imaging
-radiotherapy

Question 4

X rays

Answer 4

Produced by the rapid deceleration of free electrons due to changes in the organisation of electrons orbiting the nucleus

Uses
-medical imaging
-medical treatment
-airport security

Question 5

UV

Answer 5

Hazards
-sunburn
-skin cancer
-blindness

Uses
-disinfectant
-energy saving light bulbs
-security ink

Question 6

Infrared (thermal radiation)

Answer 6

Uses
-electrical heaters
-cookers
-fibre optic communication
-remote control
-thermal imaging

Question 7

Microwaves

Answer 7

Uses
-cooking food
-satellite communication
-bluetooth (pass easily through earths atmosphere)

Question 8

Radio waves

Answer 8

Produced by a man-made oscillations in electrical circuits in a wire (AC)

Uses
-radio and TV signals
-radar

Question 9

Radio wave production

Answer 9

1) at the transmitter, an electrical input signal causes electrons to oscillate up and down the antenna
2) this leads to production of radio waves which travel from the transmitter to receiver
3) at the receiving antenna, energy from the incident radio waves causes electrons to oscillate
4) this is detected as an electrical signal which is what carries the radio/TV broadcast to the receiver

Question 10

Visible light

Answer 10

Uses
-human sight
-lasers
-fibre optic communication