Electromagnetic Waves
By Michael Ackley
What kind of disturbance creates an EM wave?
Electromagnetic waves are made up of electric and magnetic components, and are created from a vibrating electric charge.
What are two ways that EM waves are different from mechanical waves?
One difference between EM and mechanical waves is that EM waves do not need a medium to travel through which mechanical waves do. Another way Em and mechanical waves differ is that EM waves contain a magnetic component.
Ranges of the EM spectrum for wavelength, frequency, and energy.
As you go down the EM spectrum, starting at gamma ray and ending at radio, the wavelengths get longer, but have less frequency and energy.
Radio
The waves are used by radio stations to play music and are emitted by stars and gases in space.
Microwave
Used to cook food in a short amount of time, and by astronomers to learn about the structure of galaxies.
Infrared
Used in night vision goggles, which measure the heat emitted from objects with heat, and helps map the dust between stars in space.
Visible light
visible light is what is seen by our eyes and is emitted by fireflies, stars, and light bulbs.
Ultra-violet
Our skin tans and burns because of Ultra Violet radiation. Ultra-violet radiation is also emitted by hot objects in space.
X-ray
Used by dentist to image teeth, and by airports to see inside closed bags. Also emitted by hot gases in the universe.
Gamma ray
Mostly generated by the Universe, and used by doctors to see inside patients bodies.
How X-rays see through your skin - Ge Wang