Electromagnetic Waves

Subdecks (1)

Cards (17)

  • Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that transfer energy from the source of the waves to an absorber
  • Electromagnetic waves form a continuous spectrum and they travel at the same velocity through a vacuum or air
  • Electromagnetic spectrum
    A) Long wavelength
    B) Low frequency
    C) High frequency
    D) Short wavelength
  • Types of wave
    A) Radio waves
    B) Microwaves
    C) Infrared
    D) Visible light
    E) Ultraviolet
    F) X-rays
    G) Gamma rays
  • Our eyes only detect visible light and so detect a limited range of electromagnetic waves
  • Different substances may absorb, transmit, refract or reflect electromagnetic waves in ways that vary with wavelength
  • Radio waves can be produced by oscillations in electrical circuits
  • When radio waves are absorbed they may create an alternating current with the same frequency as the radio wave itself, so radio waves can themselves induce oscillations in an electrical circuit
  • Gamma rays originate from changes in the nucleus of an atom
  • Changes in atoms and the nuclei of atoms can result in electromagnetic waves being generated or absorbed over a wide frequency range
  • Ultraviolet waves, X-rays and gamma rays can have hazardous effects on human body tissue