The EM Spectrum Flashcards
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
The range of all possible frequencies of radiation
What type of wave are electromagnetic waves?
Transverse
Can electromagnetic waves travel through a vacuum?
Yes, at the same speed as through the air
How do electromagnetic waves transfer energy?
As radiation from the source of a wave to an absorber
What is the order of the groups of the EM spectrum?
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
Which electromagnetic wave has the longest wavelength?
Radio waves
Which electromagnetic wave has the shortest wavelength?
Gamma rays
Which electromagnetic wave has the highest frequency?
Gamma rays
Which electromagnetic wave has the lowest frequency?
Radio waves
Which electromagnetic wave has the highest amount of energy?
Gamma rays
Which electromagnetic wave has the least amount of energy?
Radio waves
More hazardous EM waves have a higher ???
Frequency
What are the uses of radio waves?
- Broadcasting TV + radio
- Communications
- Satellite transmissions
What are the uses of microwaves?
- Cooking
- Communications
- Satellite transmission
What are the uses of infrared radiation?
Cooking as well as short range communications such as:
- Remote controls
- Optical fibres
- Thermal imaging cameras
What are the uses of visible light?
- Vision
- Photography
- Illumination
What are the uses of ultraviolet rays?
- Fluorescent lamps
- Detecting forged bank notes
- Disinfecting water
What are the uses of x-rays?
- X-ray scans
What are the uses of gamma rays?
- Sterilising food + medical equipment
- Detection and treatment of cancer
What are the dangers of microwaves?
Internal heating of body cells
What are the dangers of infrared radiation?
Skin burns
What are the dangers of ultraviolet rays?
- Skin cancer
- Eye conditions
What are the dangers of x-rays?
Mutation or damage to cells in the body
What can changes in atoms and nuclei lead to?
The generation of radiation
