scienceeceics

Electromagnetic Waves

Transverse oscillating waves composed of electric and magnetic fields.

Velocity (V) in wave equation

The speed at which a wave travels.

Frequency (F)

The number of wavelengths per second.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between successive peaks of a wave.

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation with enough energy to remove an electron from an atom, causing ionization.

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Radiation that does not have enough energy to remove an electron from an atom.

Speed of Light in Vacuum

300,000 km/s.

Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

They carry energy, travel in a vacuum, and obey the wave equation.

Types of Electromagnetic Radiation

Includes radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Uses of Radio Waves

RFID, television, and FM and AM radio broadcasts.

Uses of Microwaves

Bluetooth and wifi communication.

Uses of Infrared Waves

Remote controls and thermal imaging.

Uses of Visible Light

Photography and illumination.

Uses of Ultraviolet Waves

Killing bacteria.

Uses of X-rays

Medical imaging.

Uses of Gamma Rays

Cancer treatment.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Classification of EM waves according to their frequencies, wavelengths, and energies.

Photon

Tiny packets of light energy carried by electromagnetic waves.

Hertz

The unit of frequency, representing the number of wavelengths in one second.

Transverse Waves

Waves in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Longitudinal Waves

Waves in which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of wave travel.