Electromagnetic Waves
By Alec Brazukas
What kind of disturbance creates an EM wave?
Electromagnetic waves are made when something effects magnetic or electric fields and creates an electromagnetic wave.
Two ways that EM waves are different from mechanical waves are...
The first way is that electromagnetic waves do not need a medium to go through. The other difference is that an electromagnetic wave travels through a vacuum but it is impossible for a mechanical wave to do that.
What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
This video will give you an overview of the EM spectrum
Ranges of the EM spectrum
Radio Waves which are commonly used for television and transmitting songs through the radio has the longest wavelength and the lowest frequency of all the EM spectrum. Microwaves are a step up with a little shorter wavelength and a higher frequency. Microwave waves are commonly used for cooking and communicating. The next EM wave are infrared waves. These have an even higher frequency than the microwave waves and a shorter wavelength than them. Infrared waves are often used when you grill something it adds heat and is also used for television remote controls. Visible light is the most average wave with a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than infrared waves. We often use it to see and also to light up dark areas where you can't see as well. Ultraviolet waves are another step up with even higher frequency and shorter wavelength. It is often used for detecting forged bank notes by fluorescence and sun beds. Next is X-rays, these have almost the highest frequency and shortest wavelength. It is used to pass through skin and soft tissue to be able to inspect people's bones and it can also be used to inspect metal components to make sure there aren't any cracks or other damaged areas. The last wave of the EM spectrum are Gamma Radiation waves these waves have the highest frequency and the shortest wavelength. It is commonly used for killing cancer cells and it is also used to sterilize surgical instruments.
Gamma Radiation Waves
This is my Bibliography