Electromagnetic waves

• order the waves from lowest to highest wavelength

  gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, micro-waves, radio waves
• UV radiation damages surface cells which can lead to sunburn and cause skin to age prematurely

  It could also damage the eyes, lead to blindness

  Increased risk of skin cancer
• X-rays and gamma rays are ionising radiation
• Order from highest to lowest wavelength

  Radio waves, micro-waves, infrared, visible light,ultraviolet, X-rays,gamma rays
• All types of waves travel in the same velocity
• 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.
• microwaves – satellite communications, cooking food
• infrared – electrical heaters, cooking food, infrared cameras
• visible light – fibre optic communications
• ultraviolet – energy efficient lamps, sun tanning
• X-rays and gamma rays – medical imaging and treatments.