Electromagnetic Waves
By Maggie McGonagle
What Kind of Disturbance Creates an Electromagnetic Wave?
What Are Some of the Differences Between Electromagnetic Waves and Mechanical Waves?
The Different Ranges of The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Radio Waves
Radio waves have wavelengths of > 1 x 10-1 m and a frequecy of < 3 x 109 Hz. Energy (J): < 2 x 10-24
Microwaves
Microwaves have wavelengths of 1 x 10-3 - 1 x 10-1 m and a frequecy of 3 x 109 - 3 x 1011 Hz. Energy (J): 2 x 10-24- 2 x 10-22
Infared Waves
Infared waves have wavelengths of 7 x 10-7 - 1 x 10-3 m and a frequecy of 3 x 1011 - 4 x 1014 Hz. Energy (J): 2 x 10-22 - 3 x 10-19
Visable Light Waves
Visabl light waves have wavelengths of 4 x 10-7 - 7 x 10-7 m and a frequecy of 4 x 1014 - 7.5 x 1014 Hz. Energy (J): 3 x 10-19 - 5 x 10-19
Ultra-violet Radiation
X-Rays
X-Ray waves have wavelengths of 1 x 10-11 - 1 x 10-8 m and a frequecy of 3 x 1016 - 3 x 1019 Hz. Energy (J): 2 x 10-17 - 2 x 10-14
Gamma Rays
Everyday Uses for Electromagnetic Waves
1. Used to transmit signals to radios
2. Used for aircraft cimmunication
Microwaves:
1. Used to cook food in a microwave
2. Wifi uses microwaves
Infared:
1. Night goggles use infared radiation
2. TV remote controls use infared to transmit signals to your TV
Visable Light Waves:
1. Visable light is used in the form of lasers to perform certain surgeries
2. Lasers are also used in laser printing
Ultraviolet Radiation:
1. Ultraviolet radiation is used to detect forged currency
2. Food and Drug companies often use ultraviolet lamps to sterilize their products
X-Rays:
1. Used by doctors to examine your bone structure
2. Used in airport security to check luggage
Gamma Rays:
1. Used to kill cancer cells
2. Used to sterilize medical equipment