Science - Grade 10

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

I. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT

Filipinos are fond of using cellphones for gaming, texting and calling, watching
our favorite movies and teleseryes, live performances, and concerts of both local and
foreign artists. We also love to listen to music and songs of our idolized singers and
performers. Have you ever wondered why the performances of these artists can be
watched on our television even though they are very far? How the messages of your
friends and families reached you through cellphones?

The Philippines is now facing this very alarming pandemic known as COVID-
19. One of the ways on how to detect the symptoms of this disease is through the
use of thermal scanners that uses infrared radiation. In hospitals gamma rays and x-
rays are used to diagnose and treat diseases. These three types of EM waves can
be useful or harmful depending on its use.

II. LEARNING COMPETENCIES

MELC: Cite examples of practical applications of the different regions of EM Waves,

such as the use of radio waves in telecommunications. (S10FE-IIc-d-48)

Objectives:
1. Define or describe the different types of Electromagnetic (EM) waves.
2. Compare the frequencies and wavelength of the different Electromagnetic
(EM) waves.
3. Cite useful applications of different Electromagnetic (EM) waves.

III. ACTIVITIES

ELICIT:
Let’s check your prior knowledge about our lesson for today. Answer the
questions below.

Directions: Identify what is being asked or described in each item then write the
letter of the correct answer in your answer sheet.

1. What is the best application of very high frequency radio waves?

A. AM radio broadcasting
B. FM radio broadcasting
C. Satellite communication
D. TV broadcasting and satellite communication

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2. What is not a characteristic of radio waves?
A. shorter Range C. not light sensitive
B. not line of sight D. can pass through walls

3. What is the disadvantage of radio waves?

A. More costly than infrared
B. It is easier to “eavesdrop” since signals are transmitted in space rather
than a wire.
C. Low power requirements that make it ideal for laptops, and other
technological devices.
D. Communication devices that make use of the same frequencies interfere
with their transmission.

4. How does a microwave oven cook food inside it?

A. Food releases microwave frequencies that cook the food.
B. Heat is released outside the microwave oven which cooks the food.
C. Molecular friction is eliminated thus, cooking the food in a microwave
oven.
D. Food absorbs certain microwave frequencies which penetrate the food
being heated and produces heat that will cook the food.

5. What is not a useful application of microwave?

A. RADAR.
B. TV transmission
C. Used in navigation.
D. Satellite communications.

6. What is not an application of infrared radiation?

A. Infrared telescopes are used for seeing the dark.
B. Infrared radiation is used in the production of Vitamin D in our skin.
C. Infrared scanners are used to show the temperature variation of the body.
D. Infrared photographs taken from a satellite with special films provide useful
details of the vegetation of the Earth’s surface.

7. What is the best useful application of visible light?

A. Visible light helps in making rainbows.
B. Visible light augments communication devices.
C. Visible light helps in the production of computers.
D. Visible light enables us to see the beauty of our surrounding.

8. What type of EM waves is used in sterilizing water from drinking fountains?

A. Gamma ray B. Microwave C. UV radiation D. X-ray

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 9. Where is ultraviolet ray used?
A. It is used to kill cancer cells.
B. It is used in the production of vitamin D in our skin
C. It is used in identifying original from fake banknotes.
D. It is used in sterilization of water in drinking fountains

10. How are x-rays produced?

A. X-rays are produced when fast moving protons hit a metal target.
B. X-rays are produced when fast moving electrons hit a metal target.
C. X-rays are produced when fast moving protons hit a non-metal target.
D. X-rays are produced when fast moving electrons hit a non-metal target.

ENGAGE:

Are you familiar with the different Electromagnetic (EM) waves? Let’s do the
activity.
Activity 1: COMPLETE ME!
Complete the statement below to describe the terms:

1. Microwaves have smaller _______ than _______ waves. They are used in
________ communications, _______, television transmission and _____.
radio cooking satellite radar wavelengths frequency

2. A radar system is consists of an ________, ________, and a _____.

transmitter antenna receiver satellite
3. A cell phone is a _____ transmitter and ______ that uses ________.

radio receiver microwaves frequency

4. Communication ________ travel around the _______ at an altitude of
__________ above the equator. They move at a speed of ______ and
revolve around the earth every ___.

11 300 km/h earth satellites 35, 000 km 24 hours 365 days

5. Antennae are _____ to point in ____ directions towards these _____.
fixed satellites mounted receiver

6. Ultra violet ______ lies just beyond the ____ end of ________
visible spectrum radiation violet red

7. Gamma rays are used to treat _______ through the process called _____.
cancer radiotherapy diseases

8. Infrared radiation lies _______ the ______ end of ________.

red beyond visible spectrum violet

9. Radio _______ have longest ______ in the _________.

electromagnetic spectrum waves wavelength signal

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 10. All x-rays are _____ because they can _____ healthy living ____ of our
body.
cells damage dangerous helpful

Activity 2. MATCH ME!

On the next page, are different pictures showing how Electromagnetic (EM)
waves are applied. Match it to the EM waves in the table below by writing the letter
only.

EM Wave Applications/Uses
Radio waves
Microwaves
Infrared
Visible light
Ultraviolet
X-rays
Gamma rays

A B C
http://news-medical.net http://independentimaging.com http://universetoday.com

D E F
http://symmetrymagazine.org http://digikey.com http://elprocus.com

G
www.darvill.clara.net

EXPLORE:

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 To gain more ideas about the EM waves perform the activity below.

Activity 1: Fill Me In!

Direction: Fill in the table with the correct answer. In the column
characteristics, write short, shorter or shortest for wavelengths and write high,
higher or highest for frequency and energy. In columns useful applications and
harmful effects, choose from the options in the box on the next page and just write
the letter which corresponds to the answer.

CHARACTERISTICS
Frequenc Energy
Wavelength y Note:
Note: Write Note: Write HARMFUL
EM USEFUL
WAVES
short, Write high, APPLICATIONS EFFECTS/
shorter high, higher, DISADVANTAGE
shortest higher, highest
highest
Radio
wave
Microwav
e
Infrared
Visible
light
UV
Radiation
X-ray
Gamma
ray
A. Production of vitamin D in our skin J. Can cause skin cancer
B. Sterilization of water in drinking fountains K. Can damage healthy living
cells in the body
C. Identifying original from fake banknotes L. Used to kill cancer
cells.
D. Diagnosing bone fracture and dense tumour. M. Used to whiten shirts.
E. Used in sterilizing medical equipment. N. Burn skin and hurt
eyes
F. Camera autofocusing O. Distance sensitive
G. Radio broadcasting P. costly
H. Satellite communication
I. Able to see the beauty of nature

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Activity 2. EM WAVES PUZZLE
Direction: Complete the crossword puzzle below.
1
2
8 4

5
3
7 6

10

ACROSS: DOWN:

4. lie at the other end of the
electromagnetic spectrum
7. lies just beyond the violet end
of the visible spectrum
9. has the longest wavelength in
the EM spectrum
10. the only EM wave that can be
seen by humans
1. unit used to measure the frequency of
waves
2. formulated the electromagnetic wave
theory
3. is a disturbance that transfer energy
5. radio transmitter and
receiver that uses
microwaves
6. consists of an antenna, transmitter
and receiver
8. penetrate the food being heated

EXPLAIN:

TYPES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC (EM) WAVES

RADIO WAVES

Radio waves have the longest wavelength

in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are
produced by making electrons vibrate in an
antenna. They are used to transmit sound and
picture information over long distances.

https://ya-webdesign.com/image/radio-clipart/189142.html

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 Radio waves have a very wide range of wavelengths. The whole region of the
radio wave is divided into smaller regions or wavebands. Each waveband is
allocated by law to a specific radio service.

Low frequency waves are suitable for communication over great distances.
But the curvature of the earth limits the range to about 80 kilometers. To extend the
range, a repeater is used. The repeater receives signal and re-transmits it to the
receiving station.

High frequency waves can be reflected by the ionosphere. This enables the
waves to be transmitted over great distances.

Radio waves have the following characteristics:

1. Not line of sight
2. Can pass through walls
3. Longer range
4. Not light sensitive
Some disadvantages of radio frequencies include:
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
MICROWAVES

Microwaves have smaller wavelengths

than radio waves. They can penetrate the
atmosphere of the earth. This is the reason
why they are used in satellite communications.
Communication satellites travel around the
earth at an altitude of 35, 000 km above the
equator. They move at a speed of 11, 300
km/h and revolve around the earth every 24
hours, the same rate as the rotation of the https://www.pinclipart.com/pindetail/
ihomhw_clipart-science-microwaves-use-
earth. a-microwave-png-download/
Microwaves signals are transmitted by
an antenna to a satellite which amplifies and re-transmits the signal to an antenna in
other parts of the world.
Microwaves are applied in so many ways from texting to cooking, and to
communications to the rest of the world.

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Applications of Microwaves
1. Satellite communication
2. Radars
3. TV transmission
4. Microwave oven
How a microwave oven cooks food inside it?
1. A part of the oven produces microwaves.
2. The microwaves are sent to the reflecting fan.
3. The microwaves are reflected in many directions by the fan and the walls
of the microwave oven.
4. As microwaves pass through the food, they transfer energy to the water
molecules in the form of heat. This will cook the food.
INFRARED RADIATION
Infrared radiation lies beyond the red end of the visible light. It is emitted by all
objects. The amount and wavelength of radiation depend on temperature. Below
5000 C, an object emits only infrared radiation.
Above 5000C, an object glows and emits both
infrared and some visible light.
Our bodies radiate infrared and under infrared
camera or a night vision goggle, our images
appear in variety of colors. The differences in color
determine the differences in temperature.

Infrared zoo gallery dog retrieved from http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/infrared_galleries

Infrared radiation has many useful applications

1. Infrared photographs taken from a satellite with special films provide useful
details of the vegetation on the Earth’s surface.
2. Infrared scanners are used to show the temperature variation of the body.
This can be used for medical diagnosis.
3. Infrared remote controls are used in TVs, video cassette recorders, and
other electronic appliances.
4. Infrared telescopes are used for seeing in the dark.
5. Autofocus camera has a transmitter that sends out infrared pulses. The
pulses are reflected by the object to be photographed back to the camera.
The following are Infrared is also used in the following devices.
advantages of infrared in 1. Augmentative 5. Headphones
wireless communication. communication devices 6. Home security
1. Low power systems
requirement 2. Car locking system 7. Navigation systems
a. Computers 8. Signages
2. Low circuit costs
Mouse 9. Telephones
3. Simple circuitry
b. Keyboards 10. Some toys
4. Higher security 3. Printers
4. Emergency response systems

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 The following are the characteristics of infrared that can be considered as
disadvantages:
1. Transmitters and receivers should be directly aligned to connect and
communicate.
2. It can be blocked by common materials.
3. Distance sensitive; performance drops as distance increases.
4. Weather sensitive; transmission can easily be affected by weather
conditions like rain.
5. Can also be affected by light such as sunlight.

ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Ultraviolet radiation lies just beyond the

violet end of the visible spectrum. Ultraviolet
waves have shorter wavelengths than the
visible light and carry more energy.

Ultraviolet radiation is the part of the

electromagnetic spectrum that consists of
frequencies higher than that of the visible light
but lower than X-rays. Having higher
frequency, UV rays carry higher amount of
energy. They can damage tissue, burn the skin How does the sun Damage skin retrieved
and damage the eyes. For these reasons, fromhttps://treatcancer.com/blog/how-the-
protection from such damaging rays were sun-damages-skin/
invented such like UV sunscreen/sunblock lotions and eyeglasses that could filter out
these frequencies.

Ultraviolet rays also have benefits.

Hospitals make use of UV to sterilize medical
instruments to kill harmful bacteria.
Other uses of UV rays
1. Production of vitamin D in our skin
2. Sterilization of water in drinking fountains
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation retrieved from
https://th.nsmart.com/GoodAndBadEffectsof 3. Identifying original from fake banknotes
UVRaysYouChoose.html

X-RAYS
X-rays come just after ultraviolet rays. They are of shorter wavelength but
carries higher energy than the UV.
Short wavelength X-rays can penetrate even through metals. They are used
in industry to inspect welded joints for faults.

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x-ray clipart retrieved from clipart-
library.com/x-ray-cliparts.html
All X-rays are dangerous because they can
damage healthy living cells of the body. This is the
reason why frequent exposure to x-rays should be
avoided. Too much exposure to X-rays can damage
body tissues and can cause cancer.
The frequencies of X-rays range from 3 x 10 16 to 3 x
1019 Hz.

GAMMA RAYS
Gamma rays lie at the other end of the
electromagnetic spectrum. They are the shortest
in wavelength and highest in frequency. They
carry the highest amount of energy, thus they are
more dangerous. Gamma rays are emitted by
stars and some radioactive substances. They can
only be blocked with lead and thick concrete.
Gamma rays are very strong that they can
kill living cells. Gamma rays are used to treat Gamma ray retrieved from
https://www.ck12.org/c/physics/gam
cancer through the process called radiotherapy. ma-rays/lesson/Gamma-rays-MS-
They are also used for sterilization of drinking PS/
water.

ELABORATE:
Activity 1. Expect the EM Spectrum
Study the figures below and answer the questions provided.

Figure 1. Electromagnetic spectrum

https://simplebooklet.com/emspectrum

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 Questions:
1. What EM wave has the shortest wavelength?
2. What EM wave has the highest frequency?
3. How do you compare the frequency of infrared to the frequency of Gamma
rays?
4. What happens to the frequency as the wavelength decreases?

Figure 2. EM Spectrum and its uses

https://www.britannica.com/science/electromagnetic-spectrum

Questions:
1. What EM wave is best applied in broadcasting?
2. What EM wave is best for cooking?
3. What is the use of ultraviolet radiation?
4. What EM waves are best used in diagnosing and treating diseases?
5. What EM waves will enable us to see what surrounds us?

EXTEND:

Activity 1. The EM wave Map

Direction: Fill in the data needed to complete the concept map below.
ELECTROMAGNETIC (EM)
WAVES

APPLICATION/USES

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Activity 2. HUNT ME!

Direction: Hunt the words given on the box below Put a line either horizontal,
vertical or diagonal. Note: there is no space provided for two words e.g. thermal
scanner
I B C E L L P H O N E A R R Y D O E G L O
R N E L E A O S N E I R E A N T E N N A W
R E F E Y T L A T R B T Y D H O V L I L T
A R X R A Y Y R H F E D O I E N E S N A T
D A R A A I G I E A L O U A A D I O S E H
T W M N D R O R S R I E O T R O C N L P E
N A A T R E E A P W E S P Y T Y A O I A F
O S N B R O A D C A S T I N G O I I D T U
K O K B O Y E I O E V G E O D V N S E A T
M K A A T T R O T R E O N U A B S I M K E
E A Y T O H A N P E T O T R O R Y V E N R
D F A A R A G A A V H N T H E E A E S A E
T R A D I A T I O N A L H E S L R L A S E
S O T N A K H S L E U O E R G I A E Y A V
A T A A T E O O I E T N D E O E M T C N A
B A N K N R T A N Y L C O A O V M M U G W
S U N L I G H T T O H B O N N E A E A A O
U N S P B O T Y I U E E I D A O G T S R R
I L A A I H O A N A H M R S N F F H E T C
T E B Y N N T M G R E O A M I L E I Y O I
T H E R M A L S C A N N E R O V E N O M M

1. INFRARED 6. RADIATION 11. ANTENNA

2. RADIO 7. MICROWAVE 12. THERMAL SCANNER
3. BROADCASTING 8. OVEN 13. SUNLIGHT
4. GAMMA RAYS 9. ULTRAVIOLET 14. TELEVISION
5. VISIBLE LIGHT
EVALUATION: 10. XRAY 15. CELL PHONE
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

EVALUATION:

Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. What type of electromagnetic wave has the longest wavelength?

A. Radio waves B. Microwaves C. Infrared D. X ray

2. What type of waveband is suitable for communication over great distances?

A. low frequency C. medium Frequency
B. high frequency D. very high frequency

3. What converts sound into patterns of electric current variations called AF

signals.
A. Amplifier B. cell phone C. microphone D. telephone

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 4. What is the best application of Microwaves?
A. Computers C. Sterilization
B. Telephones D. Satellite communication

5. It is an appliance which uses microwaves to cook food.

A. Mechanical oven C. Oven toaster
B. Microwave oven D. Traditional oven

6. What is not a useful application infrared?

A. Can be affected by sunlight.
B. Some night vision goggles use IR
C. Infrared scanners are used to show the temperature variation of the
body.
D. Some autofocus cameras have transmitter that sends out infrared
pulses.

7. What is the correct arrangement of colors of the visible light in terms of

increasing wavelength?
A. green, blue and red C. blue, green and yellow
B. red, orange and green D. yellow, green and orange

8. Which electromagnetic wave penetrates soft and hard tissues?

A. Gamma rays B. Infrared. C. UV radiation D. X-rays

9. Why are X-rays suitable for diagnosing one fracture and dense tumours?
A. Because they cannot penetrate soft tissues.
B. Because they can penetrate soft tissues and dense matter such as
bones.
C. Because they cannot penetrate dense matters such as muscles and
bones.
D. Because they can pass through soft tissues but are filtered by dense
matter such as the bones.

10. Which is a useful application of Gamma radiation?

A. Used to kill cancer cells.
B. Used in diagnosing bone fractures.
C. Used in sterilizing water in drinking fountains.
D. Used in the production of vitamin D in our skin.

IV. REFLECTION

I have learned that

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

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 I wish to ask my teacher about
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

V. REFERENCE/S
o (Herma D. Acosta, 2015)
o How does the sun Damage skin retrieved fromhttps://treatcancer.com/blog/how-
the-sun-damages-skin/

o Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation retrieved from

https://th.ns-mart.com/GoodAndBadEffectsofUVRaysYouChoose.html

o x-ray clipart retrieved from clipart-library.com/x-ray-cliparts.html

o Radiography retrieved from wikipedia.org/wiki/radiography

o Gamma ray retrieved from

https://www.ck12.org/c/physics/gamma-rays/lesson/Gamma-rays-MS-PS/

o Gamma ray symbol retrieved from

https://www.ipharmd.net/science/round_radioactive_symbol_clipart.html

o http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/infrared_galleries

o https://www.clipartmax.com/middle/m2H7K9N4m2b1i8d3_clipart-ir-symbol-logo-
rh-openclipart-org-dormir-clip-infrared-symbol/

o https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.livescience.com/amp/50678-visible-
light.html

o https://treatcancer.com/blog/how-the-sun-damages-skin/

o Boombox clipart loud radio retrieved from

https://ya-webdesign.com/image/radio- clipart/189142.html

Writer:
JOSEPH E. LANIOG
Teacher I, Zeferino Arroyo High School, SDO, Iriga City

Reviewers:

HELEN Z. CORNELIO - EPS Science, Iriga City

MANUEL LUIS F. TEODORO - EPS Science, Masbate Province
MARNEL M. BULLO - Teacher III, Cataingan NHS
ELENITA P. FABELLA - Master Teacher II, Palanas North CS

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Editors:
LOURDES P. CASTROVERDE - Head Teacher III, Science
Zeferino Arroyo High School
MARISOL D. ANDRADA - Master Teacher I, Sto. Niño National High School

Layout Artist:

RAYMOND T. TORALDE
Teacher II, Rinconada National Technical Vocational School - Annex

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