The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum

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  • Created by: emews
  • Created on: 05-11-17 15:14
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  • The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum
    • The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuous range of wavelengths.
    • The types of radiation that occur in different parts of the spectrum have different uses and dangers - depending on their wavelength and frequency.
    • Types of waves
      • Radio waves
      • Microwaves
        • Microwave radiation can be used to transmit signals, such as those for mobile phone calls.
      • Infared
      • Visible light
      • ultraviolet
        • Ultraviolet radiation - UV - is found naturally in sunlight.
      • x-rays
      • Gamma radiation
    • White light can be split up to form a spectrum using a prism.
    • The light waves are refracted as they enter and leave the prism.
      • As a result, red light is refracted the least and violet light is refracted the most
    • Hazards
      • microwaves cause internal heating of body tissues
      • infrared radiation is felt as heat and causes skin to burn
      • X-rays damage cells causing mutations (which may lead to cancer) and cell death.
      • gamma rays also damage cells causing mutations and cell death

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