Michael-John Reeler Grade 10J Mrs Zimmerman Physics Mini-Project: Electromagnetic Spectrum

1. The Types of Electromagnetic Radiation

In order of increasing frequency and, therefore, decreasing wavelength: Radio and TV Waves Micro Waves Infrared Waves Visible Light Rays Ultra-Violet Rays X-Rays Gamma Rays

2. Examples of Uses of Each Type of Electromagnetic Radiation

TV and Radio Waves are obviously used in TVs and radios, but radio waves are also an effective method of communication. Microwaves can be used as communication, radar, radio astronomy and navigation. Infrared light can be used as night vision, tracking, astronomy, heat vision, communication and to study biological systems.

Visible light rays are the only electromagnetic waves we can see, and are not used, but rather emitted from lamps, computer screens, cellphones and torches. Ultraviolet light is used in fluorescent lamps, astronomy, pest control, disinfecting drinking water and sun tanning. X-rays are used in hospitals often, to see through a persons body to help doctors figure out what is wrong with the patient. Gamma rays are used often in telescopes, as well as in scanners in parts of the US to check for hazardous substances in secure containers.

3. Penetrating Ability
The type of electromagnetic wave depends on penetrating ability. The higher the frequency, the more powerful the penetration ability. The penetration ability from smallest to biggest is the same as Question 1, because that is the order of increasing frequency.

4. The Dangers of Gamma, X-, and UV Rays

Ultraviolet light can damage your skin quite badly if exposed to too much of it. An example of that is when one gets sunburned after lying in the sun for too long.

Gamma rays and X-rays are the most dangerous of all electromagnetic waves. They can cause serious damage. If too much radiation gets under your skin, the particles in the rays collide with your particles, and thus they change you pattern structure, and they can therefore cause mutations, for example, cancer.

5. Radiation from Cell Phones

Cellphones do emit radiation. How much radiation they emit has been the subject of many talks and researches by scientists. We absorb most of cellphone radiation with our heads at a power level of around 3.6 watts. Cellphone radiation also has a heating effect on our heads that causes our head temperature to rise by a fraction of a degree. There has also been a theory that too much cellphone radiation can cause cancer, however, recent studies have disproved that theory.