ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

These are waves which make up the electromagnetic spectrum. The waves in the spectrum are continuous.

COMMON PROPERTIES OF EM WAVES

1. They are all transverse waves

2. They transfer energy from one place to another
3. They all obey the wave equation c = F  λ
4. They can be reflected, refracted and diffracted
5. They all travel at the same speed (c ) in air and in vacuum; c = 3  108 m/s

The electromagnetic spectrum has seven components

Fig. 1.0 The electromagnetic spectrum

THE WAVE EQUATION;

The wave equations for EM waves is given as;

c=F 
whereby:

c = wave speed ( 3  108 m/s)

f = frequency

 = wavelength

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 Increasing λ & decreasing F

Gamma rays X-rays Ultra-Violet Visible light Infra-red Radio waves

COMPONENT SOURCES HAZARDS USES DETECTORS

Gamma rays Radioactive materials Have high penetrating power therefore Sterilisation of food & equipment. GM tube
Cosmic rays they can cause cancer to humans. Small amounts kill cancer cells (radio therapy).
Nuclear reactions To inspect hidden faults in welding.
In metal factories to control the thickness of metal
bars.
X-rays X-ray tubes Have high penetrating power therefore Inspect broken bones. Photographic film
they can cause cancer to humans. Small amounts kill cancer cells (radio therapy).
To inspect hidden faults in welding.
Scan bags at airports.
Ultra-Violet Mercury lamps. Large amounts cause eye defects (eg Small amounts produce vitamin D in our bodies. Fluorescent substances
The sun. eye cataracts). Check signatures for forgeries glow.
Sparks. Large amounts cause sun tan on our Used to check for counterfeit money. Photographic film
Very hot objects skin and can cause skin cancer. Astronomy

Visible light Luminous objects Too much light can cause eye defects Seeing. The eye
eg: sun Communication (optic fibres). Photographic film
Photography. LDR
LASERS
Infra-red Hot objects Can cause burns to people Astronomers to get temperature of other planets. Skin
Burglar alarms. Blackened thermometer
TV & radio remote controls.
Night vision
Drying paint on new cars.
Microwaves Radio transmitters Have a heating effect which can cause Cooking Microwave receivers
UHF TV transmitters burns. Cell phones & satellite signal transmission TV with aerial
waves
Radio

VHF Microwaves Radar and local radio signal transmission Radio with aerial
Medium & Radar
long waves

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1. State two similarities between all electromagnetic waves:
a. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
b. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. Use the diagram on the opposite page to answer the following questions:
a. Which electromagnetic wave has the longest wavelength?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
b. Which electromagnetic wave has the shortest wavelength?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
c. Name two types of electromagnetic waves which are used for communication over long distances?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
d. Name two types of electromagnetic waves which are used by the health services
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
e. Name two types of electromagnetic waves which are used by the police force?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
f. Which electromagnetic wave could be useful to students taking food and Nutrition?
3. State two harmful effects of Ultra-violet light:
i)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
ii)
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. A medium wave station transmits with a wavelength of 50m. Calculate the frequency of the medium waves

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 frequency = ………….…………

5. A long wave radio station transmits with a frequency of 300KHz. Calculate the wavelength of the waves.

wavelength = …………………………

6. A VHF radio station transmits with a frequency of 100MHz. Calculate the wavelength of the waves.

wavelength = ………………

7. Ultra violet rays have a wavelength of 2.0 x 10 -7m. Calculate the frequency of the ultra-violet rays.

frequency = ……………………