Electromagnetic Waves (EM)
By Jack Crocco
What kind of disturbance creates an EM wave?
Electromagnetic waves are produced from a vibrating electric charge.
What are two ways that EM waves are different from mechanical waves?
- EM waves can travel through vacuums but mechanical waves have to travel through mediums. (EM waves travel the same speed in vacuums)
- EM waves are caused by the magnetic and electric fields while mechanical waves are caused by wave amplitude.
Radio
Your radio captures radio waves emitted by radio stations, bringing you music. (longest wavelength, lowest frequency, lowest energy)
Microwave
Microwave radiation is most commonly known for cooking your food, but it also helps astronomers learn about the structure of the nearby galaxies.
Infared
Night vision goggles pick up the infrared light emitted by our skin and objects with heat.
Visible Light
Visible light is basically any light that you can see such as stars.
Ultra-violet
Ultra-violet light commonly comes from the sun and is the reason people get sun burned and tanned.
X-ray
X-rays are commonly used in doctors offices to check for broken bones and they are commonly used in airports to check bags.
Gamma Ray
Gamma rays are commonly used to kill cancer cells. (shortest wavelength, highest frequency, highest energy)