Electromagnetic Waves
Ellie Simonpietri
What is an Electromagnetic Wave?
An electromagetic wave is a wave that can travel without a medium to go through. For example, this type of wave can travel through the vacuum in outer space
What Disturbance Causes an Electromagnetic Wave?
These type of waves are devolped by a vibrating eletric charge
Electromagnetic Wave vs. Mechanical Wave
The biggest major difference is that a mechanical wave requires a medium to travel, while the electromagnetic wave does not. Also mechanical waves are typically slower.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Radio
Radio Ranges-
Wave length: >1
Frequency: very low
Energy: very low
Everyday Use
- radio
- GPS
Microwave
Microwave Ranges-
Wave length: 1 to 10^-3
Frequency: low but higher than radio
Energy: low but higher than radio
Everyday Use
- cooking
- wifi
Infared
Infared Ranges-
Wave length: 10^-3 to 10^-6
Frequency: lower mid
Energy: lower mid
Everyday Use
- toaster
- television remote controls
Visible Light
Visible Light Ranges-
Wave length: 8x10^-7 to 4x10^-7
Frequency: mid
Energy: mid
Everyday Use
- vision
- CDs
Ultra-Violet
Ultra-Violet Ranges-
Wave length: 3x10^-7 to 10^-8
Frequency: medium high
Energy: medium high
Everyday Use
- sun beds
- security pens
X-Ray
X-Ray Ranges-
Wave length: 10^-8 to 10^-12
Frequency: high but lower than gamma
Energy: high but lower than gamma
Everyday Use
- produce photographs of bones
- check metal componets and welds
Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray Ranges-
Wave length: <10^-12
Frequency: very high
Energy: very high
Everyday Use
- kills cancer cells
- sterilise surgical instruments