Uses of EM Waves

Created by: catherinew45
Created on: 21-04-15 17:09

What are radio waves?

EM radiation with wavelengths longer than 10cm

1 of 11

How can radiowaves be used for broadcasting?

Long wave radio, wavelengths of 1-10km, long waves diffract (bend) around the earth and can be transmitted around the world. TV and FM radio broadcasting, short wavelengths so have to be in sight of transmitter (10cm-10m), can't bend

2 of 11

What are shortwave radio signals?

Wavelengths of about 10-100m, can be received at long distances, reflected from ionosphere, an electricall charged layer in the earth's atmosphere

3 of 11

How can microwaves be used?

For satellite communication; 1-10cm wavelengths, passes through earths atmosphere, to satellite, to earth, used for phones and tv

4 of 11

How is infrared radiation used?

For heating and to monitor temperature, the hotter the object, the more IR given out

5 of 11

How can IR be detected?

Using night vision equipment, which detects the IR and turns it into an electric signal, e.g. catching criminals on the run

6 of 11

How do optical fibres work?

By bouncing waves off the sides of a very narrow core, visible light rays, pulse of the light enters the fibre at a certain angle and is reflected again until it reaches the other end, used for telephone and broadband

7 of 11

How does visibld light work in photography?

Cameras use a lens to focus visible light onto a light sensitive film or sensor

8 of 11

How is ultraviolet used?

Flourescence is where UV light is absorbed by chemicals and then visible light is emitted.

9 of 11

How are X-Rays used?

To view the internal structure of objects and materials,the x-ray radiation is directed through the object to a detector plate, the brighter bits are where fewer x-rays get through

10 of 11

What can gamma radiation be useful for?

Sterilizing medical equipment, kills microbes

11 of 11

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

How can radiowaves be used for broadcasting?

Back

Card 3

Front

What are shortwave radio signals?

Back

Card 4

Front

How can microwaves be used?

Back

Card 5

Front

How is infrared radiation used?

Back

View more cards

Similar Physics resources:

See all Physics resources »

See all Waves resources »

Get Revising

Uses of EM Waves