6.2.2-3 - Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

What property of waves in different mediums causes refractions?

• Velocity.

• Wave speed is slower in denser materials, causing refraction.

In which direction (relative to the normal) do waves refract when entering a denser medium?

• They bend towards the normal.

• The angle of refraction is less than the angle of incidence.

What type of waves can be produced by oscillations in an electrical circuit?

radio waves

How can radio waves create an alternating current in a circuit?

When radio waves are absorbed, they can induce oscillations in a circuit with the same frequency as the waves themselves.

Where do gamma rays originate from?

They originate from changes in the nuclei of atoms.

What health effects can ultraviolet waves cause?

• They can cause the skin to age prematurely.

• They can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

What is radiation dosage?

A measure of the risk of harm resulting from an exposure of the body to the radiation.

What is the unit for radiation dosage?

sieverts (Sv)

What health effects can X-rays and gamma rays cause?

• They are ionizing radiation so can cause mutations in genes.

• They can lead to increased risk of developing various cancers.