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Science
Quarter 2 – Module 5

Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation

on Living Things and the Environment

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Quarter 2 - Module 5 : Effects of Eletromagnetic Radiation
Second Edition, Revised 2021

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nor claim ownership over them.
Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cebu City Schools Division
Superintendent: Rhea Mar A. Angtud, EdD

Development Team of the Module

Writer:

MARIA GONIE L. HERNANDEZ, MT-I,Science,Pit-os National High School

Content Editors:

Dr. Deogenes R. Adoptante, Principal I, Mambaling National HS

Mrs. Arnolfa A. Demellites, Principal I, Guba National HS
Language Editor:
Wilma Y. Villaflor, Principal III , Don Vicente Rama Mem. ES
Management Team:

Dr.Rhea Mar A. Angtud, Schools Divison Superintendent

Dr.Bernadette A. Susvilla , Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Mrs.Grecia F. Bataluna, CID Chief
Dr.Raylene S. Manawatao, EPS-Science
Mrs.Vanessa L. Harayo, EPS- LRMDS

Printed in the Philippines by

Department of Education Division of Cebu City ROVII

Office Address: Imus Avenue, Cebu City

Telephone Nos.: (032) 255-1516 / (032) 253-9095
E-mail Address: @deped.gov.ph

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 Lesson 1 Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation

What I Need to Know

In Module 4, you have learned about the ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM regions and its
practical applications. You were able to locate the regions of each EM radiation, determine its
frequency ,energy and wavelength. Had identified and named materials that function using the different
regions.
This module 5 is based from the DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competency in Grade
10-K12, that is for you to, explain the effects of EM radiation on living things and the environment.
It will lead you to understand the why is and how is the Electromagnetic (EM) radiation affects us
and our environment.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. determine the regions of EM radiation which affect the living things and
environment.
2. describe the effects of EM radiation on living things and environment
3. classify the effects of EM radiation

4. identify ways of protecting and lessening the exposure on EM radiation

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 What I Know
PRE-ASSESSMENT
Directions: Read carefully and answer the questions using the picture below.
Use a separate sheet of paper.

Non-ionizing Ionizing
radiation radiation

1.Which region of electromagnetic (EM) radiation will cause skin cancer with prolonged
exposure?
A. Infrared B. Microwave C.Radio wave D. Ultraviolet rays
2.Which series of EM radiation is ionizing that can kill and cause cancer cells?
A.Gamma, Infrared, light C. UV, X-rays and Gamma rays
B.Infrared, light, microwave D. X-rays ,Gamma rays and radio wave
3.If one of the region of EM radiation can cause skin cancer, what should we do to prevent
it from happening?
I. limit time of exposure from 10am to 4pm
II. use skin protection with higher spf number
III. avoid direct exposure by covering self from the sun
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I,II and III
4. Which region of EM radiation is used to treat foods and other materials from
microorganisms?
A. Gamma rays B. Microwave C. Radio wave D. X rays

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5. The visible spectrum helps us see things around us, which sequence of colors is
arranged from an increasing energy and frequency but decreasing wavelength?
Use: R=red O= orange Y=yellow G=green B= blue I=indigo V=violet
A. B,I,G B. O,Y,G C. V,I,B D. Y, V,B
6.The prolong use of gadgets exposed our eyes from too much blue light,what is the
purpose of using anti blue light eyeglasses?
I. Lessen eye strain from using gadgets in a longer time
II .Prevent the blue light from penetrating and damaging our eyes
III. Block blue light as it has greater energy therefore greater penetrating power
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I,II and III
7.What will happen to us and our environment if EM radiation did not exist?
I. Microorganisms can multiply easily.
II. The surroundings will become dark.
III.Contacting loved ones at a distant place will be difficult.
IV.We will be free from radiation that is both harmful and beneficial to us.
A.I only B. I,and II only C. II,III and IV only D. I,II III and IV
8.Which of the material will block the radio wave radiation in reaching a toy car?
A. Aluminum B. Paper C.Plastic D. Styropor
9.What vitamin is in the sun’s light that is essential in our body for bone
formation?
A A. B D C. E D. K
10. What is an EM radiation?
A.Series of light that penetrates our body.
B. Rays of visible light that will affect us and the environment.
C. An arrangement of colors with energy,frequency and wavelength.
D. Series of regions of radiation with energy,frequency and wavelength

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 What’s In

Directions: Modified true or false. Write True if the statement is true and if it is False
change the underline word/s to make the statement true. Write your answer on a sheet of
paper.

Refer the picture of the Electromagnetic radiation above for numbers 1-7.
TRUE OR FALSE:
1. Electromagnetic waves carry energy.
2. An electromagnetic wave is a longitudinal wave.
3. Electromagnetic waves can travel in an empty space.
4. Sound waves are electromagnetic waves.
5. Different colors of light have the same amount of energy.
6. A body temperature can be determined using the microwave radiation.
7. Cell sites use radio waves radiation.

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Refer your answer on Electromagnetic wave picture for numbers 8-10.
8. The electric and magnetic fields vibrate at 450 angle on each other
to the direction the wave travels.
9. The successive production of electric and magnetic fields result to the
production of electromagnetic waves.
10. Electromagnetic waves can not be interrupted.

What’s New

Activity : Screen the UV out

Objectives:
Block UV rays of the sun
Discover the effects of UV rays
Materials:
Sunscreen/sunblock lotion with spf 15 and spf 30
Used cardboard
Bondpaper
Permanent marker/ pentel pen
Plastic cover ( 6 inches long by 4 inches wide)
Procedure:
1.Cut a piece of bondpaper to fit the 6x4 inches plastic cover size.
2.Place the plastic cover on top of the bondpaper.
3.Outside the plastic cover draw 3 lines from top to bottom to divide
it in four equal parts.
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 4. Label the parts as 1,2,3,and 4 at the bottom enough for the number
to be seen.
ex.

1 2 3 4

5. Apply a thin coat of sunscreen spf 15 (1st Part)

A thin coat of sunscreen spf 30 (2nd Part)
Cover the 3rd part with a used cardboard
Leave the 4th part fully exposed
6. Make the materials intact .
7. Find a place that the bondpaper with plastic cover on top will be fully exposed to
sunlight. (6-7hrs)
8. Recover the materials in the afternoon.
Guide Questions:
1.How does the bondpaper’s appearance vary in 4 divisions?
2.What does it indicate?
3.How does this realization bring impact into your life?

Conclusion:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

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 What is It

Non-ionizing Ionizing
radiation radiation

Electromagnetic spectrum is a continuum of electromagnetic waves arranged

according to frequency and wavelength.It includes: radio waves,microwaves,infrared,visible
light,ultraviolet,X-rays, and gamma rays arranged from gradual increase of energy and
frequency but decreasing wavelength.These waves do not have exact dividing region.They
share similar characteristics,yet,they are unique in some ways.
Electromagnetic waves are different from mechanical waves in some important
ways.They are series of disturbances that transfer energy through a field and propagate
without a need for matter as medium.It is a transverse wave
Radiation is the term used to describe the transfer of energy in the form of EM wave
and that energy travels through space.
We are surrounded with thousands of waves.They collide with our bodies and some
pass through us.Most of these waves are invisible but we can perceive some.The warmth of
the sun and the light that we see are just a few of them.Hence, Electromagnetic waves
are Electromagnetic radiation.

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 Electromagnetic waves are produced by the accelerating electrons from a changing
magnetic field that produces an electric field and a changing electric field that produces a
magnetic field.Both fields oscillate perpendicular (900) to each other and to the direction of
the propagating wave.
The waves can travel in a medium and it speeds vary according to material type but
instead of disturbing the matter,EM waves disturb the space by affecting its electric and
magnetic properties.EM waves energy can be converted into many different forms of
energy.With these characteristics,EM waves are used for a wide variety of purposes.The
waves have similar movement to that of the mechanical waves when they encounter a
barrier.
EM waves can also travel in a vacuum or empty space at a constant speed of 3 x 10 8
m/s. (speed of light=c= 3 x 10 8 m/s) the rate where the rays of the sun takes 8 minutes to
reach the earth..
The advancement on the knowledge about electromagnetic waves led us to a modern
technological world.This modern technological world has also brought several changes in
our lives and our environment.Thus,the effects are also inevitable and in order to keep
ourselves from harm is to be informed on the why and how it will affect us and our
environment.
The uses and effects of EM waves in the living things and the environment we interacted.
Radio waves longest wavelength but of lowest frequencies and energy therefore,
deemed safe.
Uses: carrier information in radio communication and television
Used by astronomers to gather information about celestial objects and various parts
of the universe using radio telescopes
Characteristics:
Not line of sight,can pass through walls,longer range and not light sensitive
Disadvantages:
1.Communication devices that make use of the same frequencies interfere with their
transmission.
2.It is easier to “eavesdrop” since signals are transmitted in space rather than a wire.
3.More costly than infrared.
4.Can be a noise pollution if too much sound is produced ,may break ear drums and
affects heartbeat with unregulated amplitude and frequencies.
Microwaves have smaller wavelengths than radio waves.Used in so many ways from
cooking to texting,in small amplitude,like in cell phone signal, for safety, cellphones receive
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 and transmit microwaves at very low intensities,RADAR,television transmission and
telecommunications to the rest of the world,
High energy microwaves radiation at frequencies from 300 MHz to 300 GHz can be
carcinogenic and cause thermal effects,increasing the temperature of exposed
organisms.
Infrared literally means “lower than red”,refers to EM waves with frequencies below
the visible red light.The amount and wavelength of radiation depends on temperature below
500 0 C, an object emits only infrared radiation.Above 500 0 C, an object glows and emits
both infrared and some visible light.
Our bodies radiate infrared,thus in night vision goggle it emits variety of colors.
Used in camera technology,short distance transfer of files between phones,satellite
photographs,scanners for temperature,used for medical diagnosis,remote controls in
TV’s,video cassette recorders and other electronic devices,infrared telescopes and
electrical heaters.
Near Infrared waves are short and not hot,in fact we cannot see them but feel in the
form of heat.The heating effect of IR, makes them particularly dangerous to susceptible
tissues,such as skin and eyes as they can cause burn,but this can be avoided because it
provides a warning mechanism in the form of pain.The waves can be used as infrared
therapy,it has many roles in the human body and positive effects; detoxification, reduce
muscle tension,improved circulation,relaxation boosting immune system,lowering blood
pressure and lowering side effects of diabetes.
Visible spectrum refers to the range of electromagnetic spectrum that the eyes can
detect and make us see and appreciate the beauty of our surrounding.It ranges from 4.3 x
10 to 7.5 x 10 hertz.The color with the lowest frequency is red,followed by orange,yellow,
green, blue,indigo and violet.They travel at same speed but differ in wavelength,energy and
frequency.When all frequencies of visible light are fused ,white light is seen.
Too much light focused on the eyes can damage or burn the retina causing the blurring
of vision or even blindness.
Ultraviolet radiation literally means “higher than violet”.Has higher energy and
frequency than the visible light.
Used to sterilize medical instruments,production of vitamin D in our skin,sterilization of
drinking fountains,identifying bank notes.LASIK eye surgery using short wavelength,treating
skin diseases and used to gather information about celestial bodies because most UV rays
are absorbed by the atmosphere.

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 Over exposure can damaged tissue,burn the skin or cause skin cancer and damage
eyes, used UV sunscreen/sunblock lotions,eyeglasses that could filter the frequencies,limit
sunlight exposure from 10am to 4pm to avoid the damaging effect.
X-rays have very short wavelengths but with higher frequency and energy than the
UV,this enables it to pass through certain barriers,which is helpful in imaging technology,
long wavelength X-rays can penetrate the flesh but not the bone.Short wavelength X-rays
can penetrate even metals used in industry to inspect welded joints for faults.
It is also used for diagnosing bone fractures and tumors.It can damage body tissues
and frequent/overexposure to X-rays can cause cancer.
Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves with the highest frequency and energy of all
bands,thus, they are more dangerous.They are emitted by stars and some radioactive
substances.They can only be blocked with lead and thick concrete.They are very strong that
they can kill living cells.They are used to treat cancer through the process called
radiotheraphy, with high accuracy and precision targeting only the cancer cells.They are
also used for drinking water sterilization and medical equipment.

Scientists Contribution/Discover
Heinrich Hertz Radio waves
James Clerk Maxwell Microwaves
Frederick William Herschel Infrared
Isaac Newton Visible Spectrum
Johann Wilhelm Ritter Ultraviolet rays
Wilhelm Ronald Roentgen X-rays
Paul Ulrich Villard Gamma rays

Three things happen to EM radiation when it encounters a barrier. It can bounce

(reflectance or scattering), pass through (transmittance), or just plain stop
(absorbance). EM waves can be reflected, absorbed and transmitted.

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Radiation damage are classified as:
Acute effects that occur within one or two months after exposure to radiation.
and Delayed or long-term effects that appear in months or years.
ex.Leukemia and formation of cancer tumors
The Extent of radiation damage is determined by: dose level,degree of exposure,organ
sensitivity,time length .
There are materials used to detect radiation: Geiger counter,Filmbadge,
Thermoluminescent dosimeter or TLD.

Reflect
Directions:Write True if the statement is correct. If not, replace the underlined word/s to
make the statement true.
1. Mechanical waves can travel through an empty space.
2. Delayed effects of radiation will occur within one or two months after exposure.
3. Electron refers to a cancer causing agent.
4. Non-ionizing radiation are radiation with high frequencies and energies.
5. Damage body tissues can occur due to overexposure to x-rays.
6. Skin cancer happens when exposed to intense X- rays.
7. Visible spectrum helps us see and appreciate the beauty of the earth we live in.
8. Treating skin diseases is one of the benefits using Infrared.
9. Electromagnetic waves are produced by the oscillations of electrons.
10. Most of the EM waves are invisible but can be detected. Only the UV ray is seen by
humans.

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 What I Have Learned

Synthesis
 A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy.
 Mechanical wave is a wave that needs a medium to travel.
Electromagnetic (EM) waves unique properties
 EM waves can travel in a medium and in an empty space.
 EM waves travel at a speed of light ( c=3x10 8 m/s).
 EM waves are disturbance in a field rather than in a medium.
 EM waves are produced from an oscillating electron a combination of electric field and
magnetic field moving to the direction of the wave perpendicular at each other.
 EM waves include:
Radio waves,Microwaves,Infrared,Visible light,Ultraviolet,X-rays and
Gamma rays from the decreasing wavelength but increasing frequency and energy
 EM waves have various uses and applications : (a)for food , (b)agriculture,
( c) medical therapy , ( d ) diagnosis, and ( e ) used by astronomers and physicists
 Most EM waves are invisible to the eye but detectable. Only the visible
light is seen by humans. Some animals see infrared and UV light.
 Each type of EM wave has a certain degree of risk and danger to people and
environment.
 EM waves can be reflected,absorbed and transmitted.
Radiation damage classification
 Acute are effects that occur within one or two months after exposure to radiation.
 Delayed or long-term effects that appear in months or years.
ex.Leukemia and formation of cancer tumors
 Extent of radiation damage is determined by: dose level,degree of exposure,organ
sensitivity,time length
 Materials used to detect radiation: Geiger counter,Film badge,Thermoluminescent
dosimeter or TLD.
Directions: Answer the questions briefly on a separate sheet of paper.
1.Why are waves that travel through an empty space called “electromagnetic”?
2.How are electromagnetic waves different from mechanical waves?
3.Why are high frequencies and energies EM waves like gamma rays harmful to living things?

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 What I Can Do

A TREE OF RADIATION
1. Make a tree of radiation applications,use a long bondpaper.
2. Think of the applications and effects of EM radiation that you are aware of and
write them down on fruit-shaped pieces of paper.
3. Group the applications in your list and decide a term for the set (ex.medical,etc.)
4. Put the group label on one of the branches of the tree.
5. Do the same to the rest of the labels.
6. Hang the “fruits” on the right branches.
7. Draw and label more branches and hang more “fruits”.

Assessment

Post Test
A.Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer on a sheet of paper.
1. In order of increasing frequency,which of the following is correct?
A. Infared,X-ray, UV and Gamma C. Light, UV, X-ray and Gamma
B. Infrared, X-ray, light and Gamma D. Light, radio, UV and X-ray
2.EM radiation have various applications, which of the following is one of the bad effects in
living things?
A.Damage body tissues C. Used to treat skin diseases
B. Determine bone fracture D. Kill microorganisms
3.Which series of EM radiation is ionizing that can kill and cause cancer cells?
A.Gamma, Infrared, light C. Radio, UV,X-ray and light
B.Microwave, light, microwave D.UV, X-rays and Gamma rays

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4.When is the best time to get the Vitamin D from the sunlight?
I. 7am to 4pm III. 10am to 4pm
II. 7am to 10am IV. 4pm and up
A. I only C. II and IV only
B. II and III only D.II,III and IV only
5.Visible spectrum is the only EM wave visible in our eyes, how is infrared detected?
It is detected in the form of_____.
A. Heat B.motion C. Sound D. Vibration
6.What is the EM radiation that causes tanning of the skin?
A.Infrared B. Microwave C. Ultraviolet D. X-rays
7.Which of these EM waves has the lowest speed?
A .Light waves C.X-rays
B. Radio waves D. None of them
8.Of the various types of EM radiation ,which is the most penetrating through all forms of
matter?
A.Gamma B.Infrared C.Ultraviolet D. Visible light
9.The prolong use of gadgets exposed us from blue light,what is the purpose of using
anti blue light eyeglasses?
I. Lessen eye strain from using gadgets in a longer time
II .Prevent the blue light from penetrating and damaging our eyes
III. Block blue light as it has greater energy therefore greater penetrating power
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I,II and III
10. What will happen to us and our environment if EM radiations did not exist?
I. Microorganisms can multiply easily.
II. The surroundings will become dark.
III.Contacting loved ones at a distant place will be difficult.
IV.We will be free from radiation that is both harmful and beneficial to us.
A.I only B. I,and II only C. II,III and IV only D. I,II III and IV

B.Directions: Read the questions and answer briefly on a separate sheet of paper.
1.Why we need an information about electromagnetic radiation?
2.Why are ultraviolet rays harmful to humans?

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Research on electroscope,
Make a homemade electroscope using straws and tape.
Write a brief discussion on its uses and the discoverer on a sheet of paper.

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What’s IN
1. True
2. Transverse wave
3. True
4. Longitudinal wave
5. Different
6. Infrared
7. Microwave
8. 900 angle or perpendicular
9. True
10. Can be

What’s New
Activity number 1
1.The color of the bondpaper in each division as observed;
1st part lightly turned to brownish color
2nd part lighter brown than the 1st part
3rd part stays the same in original color
4th part darker brown compared to the 1st and 2nd part
2. It indicates that the sunlight can cause a tanning effect to the material.
3. It brings a realization that radiation coming from the sun in the form of ultraviolet rays can
greatly affect us, if we are not going to use any means of protection,thus,being informed is
one way.
Conclusion:
Therefore, there are materials that can absorb EM radiation, where we can use them to
protect ourselves from radiation’s harmful effects while benefiting their applications in our
daily lives. UV rays have greater penetrating ability as it can alter or cause change to matter.

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WHAT’S MORE
A.
1.Electromagnetic waves
2.months or years
3.Carcinogenic
4.low/lower
5.true
6. UV rays
7.true
8. UV rays
9.true
10.visible spectrum or visible light
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
1.Waves that travel through an empty space are called electromagnetic, because these
waves can travel with or without the use of medium ,they transfer energy in the
field/space and if a medium is used the EM waves affect the space within a matter,
where these are propagated due to the vibrations of electrons causing the production of
electric and magnetic fields perpendicular at each other.
2.EM waves can travel in a medium and in an empty space, while mechanical waves
need a medium/material in order to travel
3.High frequencies and with high energies radiations are harmful to living things because
they have greater penetrating power where they ionize within the cell. (damage,kill and
reproduce abnormally)

References

Books:
SCIENCE 10 Learner’s Module, Department of Education, Republic of the Philippines
SCIENCE 10 Teacher’s Guide, Department of Education, Republic of the Philippines
Connecting Science A progressive Approach, Grade 10 Based on the K to 12 BEC
Diwa, Science for the 21st Century Learner
DepeD, SEMP, Physics textbook

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