ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

Radio Waves

• Longest wavelength, lowest energy

• Uses: Broadcasting (AM/FM radio, TV signals), communication, radar

Microwaves

• Uses: Microwave ovens, WiFi, satellites, GPS, mobile phones

Infrared (IR)

• Felt as heat

• Uses: Remote controls, thermal cameras, night vision

Visible Light

• Only part humans can see

• Colors from ROYGBIV (red = lowest energy, violet = highest energy)

Ultraviolet (UV)

• From the Sun, can cause sunburn and skin cancer, but also helps in Vitamin D production

• Uses: Sterilization, blacklight, forensic investigation

X-rays

High energy, can penetrate soft tissues but not bones (used in medical imaging)

Gamma Rays

• Highest frequency, highest energy, dangerous in large amounts

• Uses: Cancer treatment (radiotherapy), sterilizing medical equipment

Electromagnetic Waves

• Travel at the speed of light in vacuum.

• Transfer energy without matter.

• Can reflect, refract, diffract, and interfere like other waves.

Divergent

tectonic plates moving away

Convergent

tectonic plate moving towards each other

Transforming

tectonic plates sliding past each other