Physics E.M. Sprectrum

Effects of E.M. Waves

Infrared heating

Our skin absorbs the infrared waves which makes us feel warm. The source of this heat can be seen like the red colour of a hot charcoal.

Increasing Frequency

Gamma Rays

Treatment of cancer, Sterilising equipment

X-rays

Airport Security, Medical/Dental inspections, Analysis of crystal structure

Ultra-violet Rays

Sunbeds , Forgery detection

Visible Light

Photosynthesis, Lasers for medical , industrial and surveying

Infra-red

Intruder alarms, Remote control of electrical appliances , Radiant heater

Microwaves

Radar communication , Microwave cooking

Radio waves

Radio and television communication

2 Kinds of Radiation emitted from electromagnetic rays

Non-ionising radiation

Non harmful radiation which would not harm living cells and tissues

Ionising radiation

Are harmful and can damage living cells and tissues

Properties

They can travel through Vacuum.

They are transverse Waves.

All travel at the speed of light (3x10^8 ms^-1 in air and a vacuum. They will slow down when travelling through water or glass.

They transfer energy from one place to another.

They all obey the wave equation

Velocity= Frequency x Wavelength

They can be reflected or refracted.

Increasing Wavelength

r

g

Radio Waves

Microwaves

Infra-red

Visible Light

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Blue

Indigo

Violet

Ultra-Violet Rays

X-Rays

Gamma Rays