Scribd
Upload
25 views5 pages

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The document outlines the properties and types of electromagnetic waves, including gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. Each type is described with its sources, uses, effects, and methods of detection. All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light and obey the wave equation C = fλ.

Uploaded by

kelathilweaobakwe87
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Energy Transfer,
  • Communication,
  • Wave Equation,
  • Solar Cells,
  • Artificial Sources,
  • Consumer Electronics,
  • Geiger-Müller Tube,
  • Skin Cancer,
  • Natural Sources,
  • Radio Waves
25 views5 pages

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The document outlines the properties and types of electromagnetic waves, including gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. Each type is described with its sources, uses, effects, and methods of detection. All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light and obey the wave equation C = fλ.

Uploaded by

kelathilweaobakwe87
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Topics covered

  • Energy Transfer,
  • Communication,
  • Wave Equation,
  • Solar Cells,
  • Artificial Sources,
  • Consumer Electronics,
  • Geiger-Müller Tube,
  • Skin Cancer,
  • Natural Sources,
  • Radio Waves

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

PROPERTIES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

 They are all transverse waves


 They obey the laws of reflection and refraction
 They are emitted and absorbed by matter
 They travel through a vacuum
 They travel at the speed of light C in a vacuum i.e. C =3* 108 m/s
 They obey the wave equation v =fλ
 They transfer energy

(a) GAMMA RAYS

Sources
 Nuclei of atoms

Uses

 Radiotherapy
 Radio dating
 Sterilizing pests and weevils
 Sterilizing medical equipment
 Preserving food

Effects

 Kill cells
 Cause cancer
 Radiation burns
 Cause death

Method of detection
 Geiger-Müller tube
 Photographic film
 Photo(solar) cell
(b) X- RAYS

Sources

 X- ray tube

Uses

 Radiography i.e. Take X- ray pictures


 Crystallography i.e. study structure of crystals
 Treat skin disorders

Effects

 Same effect as gamma rays what differs is the source.

Method of detection

 Photographic film
 Photo cell
(c) ULTRA VIOLET

Sources

 Very hot objects


 Arcs and sparks
 Mercury vapour
 Uv lamps
 Sun

Uses

 To verify forged bank notes and signatures


 Treat skin disorders(kill bacteria)
 Washing detergents have fluorescent chemicals
 Lighting
 Paints

Effects

 Causes sun tan or sun burns


 Harmful to the eyes(retina)
 Causes skin cancer

Method of detection

 Fluorescent chemicals and powders


 Photo cell or solar cell
(d) VISIBLE (LIGHT)

Sources

 Sun
 Very hot objects
 Lamps

Uses

 Essential for photosynthesis


 Communication i.e. lasers
 Chemistry flame tests

Effects

 High intensity can damage the eyes

Method of detection

 Photographic film
 Photo cell
 Eyes
(e) INFRA RED

Sources

 Sun
 Hot objects
 Infrared lamps
 Fires

Uses

 Photography through fog and haze or at night


 TV and radio remote controllers
 Infrared scanners to track animals at night
 Cooking?
 Security lamps

Effects

 Heating

Method of detection

 Special photographic film


 Thermometers
 Skin
(f) MICROWAVES

Sources

 Microwave ovens
 Mobile phones
 Communication satellites
 Transmitters(Dish aerials)

Uses

 Cooking
 International television relay networks
 Communication via mobile phones
 RADAR detection of ships and planes
 Police speed traps

Effects

 Kill cells
 Cause cancer

Method of detection

 Receivers(Dish aerials)
 Mobile phones
 Communication satellites

(g) RADIO WAVES

Sources

 Transmitters
 Stars are natural sources

Uses

 UHF (Ultra High Frequency) : used for local radio and broadcasting TV programs
 VHF (Very High Frequency) : use for local Police and Ambulance messages, TV, local
radio
 MW (Medium Waves) and LW (long Waves) : This are real radio broadcasting waves.
They are used to transmit radio waves for long distances, because of their long
wavelength they can easily bend around the curve of the earth and hills

Effects

Method of detection

 Receivers (Radios)

Note* All electromagnetic waves obey the equation C= fλ

Where C is the speed of light = 3 * 108 m/s

F is frequency in Hertz

λ is wavelength in meters

You might also like