P3.3 Electromagnetic spectrum

What are the features of electromagnetic waves?

• All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves

• They can all travel through vacuums at the same speed (3x10⁸)

Regions of EM spectrum in order of increasing frequency

1. Radio waves

2. Microwaves

3. Infrared waves

4. Visible light waves

5. Ultraviolet waves

6. X-rays

7. Gamma ray

Regions of EM spectrum in order of increasing wavelength

1. Gamma rays

2. X-ray waves

3. Ultraviolet waves

4. Visible light waves

5. Infrared waves

6. Microwaves

7. Radio waves

State the applications of radio waves

• Radio and television transmissions, radar

State the applications of microwaves

• Satellite television, mobile phone, microwave ovens

State the applications of infrared waves

• Remote controllers for televisions, thermal imaging

State the applications of visible light waves

• Vision, photography

State the applications of ultraviolet waves

• Detecting fake bank notes

State the application of x-rays

• Medical scanning, security scanners

State the application of gamma rays

• Detection of cancer and treatment of cancer

State the harmful effects of ultraviolet waves

• Damage to surface cells and eyes, leading to skin cancer and eye conditions

State the harmful effects of x-rays and gamma rays

• Mutation or damage to cells in the body