electromagnetic spectrum Flashcards
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
A range if all the different types of electromagnetic radiation
What are the uses of radio waves?
Used for radio + to communications
Have a long wavelength + are reflected by a layer of the atmosphere called ionosphere
What is the layer of atmosphere that reflects radio waves called?
Ionosphere
What is the use of microwaves?
Used for satellite transmissions + cooking
They have a greater frequency (shorter wavelength) so can penetrate through the ionosphere + penetrate into food.
What are the uses of infrared radiation?
Used in heaters + night vision equipment
What is the use of visible light?
Used in fibre optics + photography
What are the uses of UV light?
Used in fluorescent lamps
What are the uses of x-rays?
Used in medical imaging + in security
They have a short wavelength + high frequency
They penetrate material easily
What are the uses of gamma radiation?
Used in sterilising food + medical equipment due to its high energy
What are the hazards of microwaves?
Inters heating of the body tissue
What are the hazards of infrared radiation?
Skin burns
What are the hazards of UV light
Exposure to UV light increases risk of skin cancer + blindness
What are the hazards of x-rays + gamma rays?
Causes mutations that lead to cancer
