SCI10_4THQTR - Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic Waves

- are transverse waves meaning that the oscillations of the electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

- can travel through a vacuum and do not require a medium. They carry energy and information across vast distances.

Speed of Light

3.00 x 10^8 m/s

Crest

- the highest point of the wave above the equilibrium (rest) position.

- the peak of the wave where the energy is concentrated.

Trough

- the lowest point of the wave below the equilibrium position.

- the lowest point where the particles of the medium are displaced the most in the opposite direction to the crest.

Amplitude

- the maximum displacement of a point from its equilibrium (rest) position

- It measures how far the particles of the medium move from their equilibrium position during the wave's oscillation.

- The larger the amplitude, the more energy the wave carries.

Wavelength

distance between two consecutive crests or two consecutive troughs

-It represents the length of one complete

wave cycle

- measured in meters

Frequency

-refers to how many complete wave cycles pass a given point per unit of time, typically

measured in hertz (Hz).

- is inversely related to wavelength

Node

a point where the wave has zero amplitude

Electromagnetic Radiation

- refers to the energy that is emitted or radiated by charged particles in the form of

electromagnetic waves.

- the energy carried by electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

refers to the entire range of electromagnetic radiation, which is categorized based on the

wavelength or frequency of the electromagnetic waves.

Radiowaves

This type of wave is essential for modern communication, used in everything from radio broadcasts to Wi-Fi, GPS, mobile phones, and satellite communication.

Microwaves

This type of wave is used in microwave ovens to cook food and heat food, they are also used for communication, such as cell phones and Wi-Fi.

Infrared

This type of wave is used in devices like TV remote controls and thermal cameras.

Visible Light

- the type of electromagnetic radiation that allows us to see the world around us

- It comes in different colors, like ROYGBIV. Each color has a different wavelength

- Applications: vision, Photography and Imaging, Lighting, Communication, and Photosynthesis

Ultraviolet

This type of wave is widely known for its role in sunburns, skin aging, and cancer risks. It is used for sterilization and disinfection, medical applications, and forensic science.

X-Rays

- considered ionizing radiation, which means they have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules, potentially causing significant biological damage at the cellular

and molecular level.

- can pass through soft tissues, making them useful for medical imaging

Gamma Rays

- they are produced by nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, and other high-energy processes and can be very harmful

- they are ionizing radiation and can cause DNA damage, mutations, and increased cancer risk

- widely used in radiation therapy to treat cancer.