The electromagnetic spectrum

List the electromagnetic spectrum

Radio waves

Microwaves

Infrared

Visible light

Ultraviolet

X-rays

Gamma rays

What are the properties of all electromagnetic waves?

- Transverse waves

- Travel at the same speed through a vacuum

- Transfer energy

- Can be transmitted, absorbed, reflected, refracted & defracted

What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum from greatest wavelength to least?

Radio waves (greatest)

Microwaves

Infrared

Visible light

Ultraviolet

X-rays

Gamma rays (least)

What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum from greatest frequency & energy to least?

Gamma rays (greatest)

X-rays

Ultraviolet

Visible light

Infrared

Microwaves

Radio waves (least)

What are the sources & uses of radio waves?

Sources: oscillations in electrical circuits

Uses: broadcasting, communications

What are the sources, uses & dangers of microwaves?

Sources: the sun, microwave ovens

Uses: cooking, satellite transmissions

Dangers: internal heating of body tissue

What are the sources, uses & dangers of infrared?

Sources: the sun, hot things

Uses: heating, night vision equipment

Dangers: skin burns

What are the sources, uses & dangers of visible light?

Sources: the sun, hot things

Uses: optical fibers, photography, eyesight (it is the only EM wave humans can see)

Dangers: eye damage, blindness

What are the sources, uses & dangers of ultraviolet?

Sources: the sun, UV lights

Uses: fluorescent lamps, tanning

Dangers: damage to skin surface cells, blindness, increases risk of cancer

What are the sources, uses & dangers of x-rays?

Sources: the sun, x-ray machines

Uses: detecting broken bones, observing the internal structure of objects & materials

Dangers: increases risk of cancer

What are the sources, uses & dangers of gamma rays?

Sources: the sun, radioactive atoms

Uses: sterilisation, radiotherapy

Dangers: destroys cells, mutation, increases risk of cancer