Types of Electromagnetic Waves

Vocabulary flashcards defining the types of electromagnetic waves, their sources, uses, and properties based on the provided lecture notes.

Radio Waves

The biggest waves in the electromagnetic spectrum with the lowest energy that can travel super far and pass right through walls and buildings without getting blocked. They are made by sending electrical currents through an antenna and are used for listening to the radio, making phone calls, connecting to Wi-Fi, and watching TV.

Microwaves

A type of radio wave made by electronic transmitters inside devices that bumps into water molecules to make them shake fast and create heat. Used for heating food in microwave ovens, sending GPS signals to phones, and Bluetooth.

Infrared Waves

Invisible electromagnetic waves given off by warm things like the Sun, a fire, or the human body that are felt as heat. Used in TV remotes, night-vision goggles, thermal cameras, and heat lamps.

Visible Light

The only part of the spectrum that human eyes can actually see, coming from very hot things (the Sun, light bulbs, fire) or electronic screens. It includes all rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) and is used to see surroundings, power solar panels, and help plants grow.

Ultraviolet (UV) Rays

Electromagnetic waves that carry more energy than regular light and can interact with skin and cells.

X-Ray Lead Apron

A heavy protective cover placed over a patient by doctors during an X-ray because too much radiation exposure can damage cells.

Gamma Rays

The smallest, strongest, and most powerful electromagnetic waves that originate from nuclear reactions, exploding stars in space, or radioactive elements, and can pass through almost anything. They are used in targeted beams to destroy cancer tumors and in factories to kill bacteria on medical equipment.