Applications of EM Waves

Radio waves use

Broadcasting radio and TV signals

Reason radio waves work

Long wavelength allows long‑distance transmission

Microwaves use

Satellite communication and cooking

Microwave cooking reason

Water molecules absorb microwaves and heat up

Infrared use

Heating, thermal imaging, remote controls

Infrared danger

Can cause skin burns

Visible light use

Seeing, photography, fibre‑optic communication

Fibre‑optic reason

Light reflects inside cable with little energy loss

Ultraviolet use

Fluorescent lamps, sterilising equipment

UV danger

Skin cancer, eye damage

X‑rays use

Medical imaging, security scanners

X‑ray danger

Cell damage, cancer risk

Gamma rays use

Cancer treatment, sterilising medical equipment

Gamma danger

Highly penetrating, severe cell damage

Penetration ability

Increases from radio → gamma

Ionising waves

UV, X‑rays, gamma rays

Non‑ionising waves

Radio, microwaves, infrared, visible

Higher frequency waves

Carry more energy and are more dangerous

Key idea

EM waves have diverse uses depending on wavelength and energy