Electromagnetic waves

• Electromagnetic waves are varying electric and

magnetic fields that travel through empty space at the
speed of light. (3 × /s).- The speed of electromagnetic
waves depends on the material through which they are
travelling (they travel fastest through vacuum).
 Properties of electromagnetic waves.
• Electromagnetic waves are propagated by oscillating electric
and magnetic fields at right angles to each other.
• Electromagnetic waves travel with a constant velocity of 3 x
ms-1 in a vacuum.
• Electromagnetic waves can show interference or diffraction.
• Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
• Electromagnetic waves can travel through any medium
• Electromagnetic waves may be polarized.
• Electromagnetic radiation consists of waves of the
electromagnetic field. This includes radio waves,
microwaves, infrared, visible light, x-rays, gamma rays.
• All these waves form a part of the electro-spectrum.
 Electromagnetic spectrum.
• The electromagnetic spectrum extends to wavelengths and
frequencies beyond those of visible light spectrum.
• In the visible spectrum red light has a greater
wavelength than violet light because its frequency is
less.
• In the electromagnetic spectrum, the scale of
frequencies increases along one side and the scale of
wavelengths increases in the opposite direction.
 Uses of electromagnetic waves
• Radio waves- used to broadcast radio and television signals
(communication). These are sent out from an aerial (transmitter) to be
captured by another aerial.

• Microwaves- Used in satellite television broadcasting/ Transmit mobile

phone signals between masts.

• Infrared radiation- used in remote controls/ security systems

/appliances like grills and toasters.
• Visible light- The retinas of human eyes detect light. e.g. optical fibres
are used in telecommunication.

• Ultraviolet- used in sunbeds for

tanning fair skin. Sterilise medical
equipment to destroy microorganisms.
• X rays- can penetrate solid materials used in security cameras- used in
security scanners at airports. Hospitals use this to see inside of
patients.

• Gamma rays- used in medicine and engineering.