Electromagnetic Waves -> Core Physics

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  • Created by: Savannah
  • Created on: 12-04-14 19:31

Electromagnetic waves

Role

  • Radio waves
  • Microwaves
  • Infrared
  • Visible Light
  • Ultra Violet
  • X-rays
  • Gamma Rays
  • Radio waves are mainly used for communication
  • Microwaves -> Similar frequency to the vibrations of many molecules, so increase these vibrations - resulting in heating (As in microwave ovens). Microwaves can HEAT HUMAN BODY CELLS  this way.
  • Infrared -> Discovered by Hershel in 1800 when experimenting with sunlight and a prism. Infrared has a high frequency so carries more energy than microwaves radiation. If the human body is exposed to too much infrared radiation then it may cause SKIN BURNS
  • Visible Light -> is how we see everyday objects.
  • Ultra Violet -> (UV) Discovered by Ritter, in 1801 by an experiment including Silver Chloride.  SUNBURNS happen when surface of skin cells have been damaged by absorbing UV rays in sunlight. This can cause CELL MUTATIONS or DESTRUCTIONS, and SKIN CANCER. It can also cause EYE DAMAGE.
  • X-rays & Gamma rays -> They have VERY high frequency, also very IONISING, and carry much more energy than UV rays. They can penetrate further into the body, like all ionising radiations, they can cause CELL MUTATIONS or Destruction, leading to tissue damage or CANCER.

Struggling to remember? Think of this mnemonic

EM Waves. 

  • Rimmel
  • Makeup
  • Is
  • Very
  • Useful
  • 4
  • Xtra
  • Glammour
  • Radio waves
  • Microwaves
  • Infrared
  • Visible Light
  • Ultra Violet
  • (IGNORE THE 4)
  • X-rays
  • Gamma Rays

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