Physics CP5 - EM Spectrum

EM Spectrum

The further it is on the spectrum (left to right) the higher the wavelength but the lower the frequency

EM Waves

All are transverse

All travel at the speed of light in a vacuum (can actually travel in vacuum)

Transfer energy or info (like all waves)

Order of EM Spectrum

radio waves

micro waves

infrared waves

visible light waves

ultraviolet waves

x-ray waves

gamma ray waves

Infrared Waves

All objects emit infrared radiation. The hotter the object the more energy it emits

On the lower frequency side of visible light

Ultraviolet Waves

Just outside the range of visible light on the higher frequency side

Some animals such as birds can detect light at higher frequencies

They have a shorter wavelength than visible light

Ionising Radiation

UV, X-Ray and Gamma Rays are ionising radiation. These can break up or change the DNA in cells and can also destroy cells, because they contain so much energy.