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Science
Quarter 2 – Module 3:
Applications of the Different
Regions of Electromagnetic Waves
Science – Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 3: Applications of the Different Regions of Electromagnetic Waves
Second Edition, 2021

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 What I Need To Know

The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuum of electromagnetic waves that

includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays. The
electromagnetic waves have different characteristics and properties that are being
utilized for their uses and applications.

This module discusses the everyday applications as well as the medical uses of
electromagnetic waves. After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Cite some practical applications of different types of electromagnetic waves.

2. Explain how different types of electromagnetic waves are used.

What I Know
Directions: Choose the letter that corresponds to the best answer.

1. Which electromagnetic radiation is used in the treatment of cancer?

a. Microwave
b. Gamma rays
c. Infrared rays
d. Ultraviolet rays

2. Which electromagnetic waves are used in communication?

I. Radio waves II. Microwaves III. Visible light IV. Ultraviolet rays

a. I
b. II
c. I, II and III
d. I, II, III and IV

3. Why does an empty plate NOT heat up in the microwave?

a. An empty plate is heat proof

b. An empty plate does not have the capacity to heat up
c. An empty plate contains water molecules that makes it cold
d. An empty plate does not contain water molecules that heats it up

4. Which are the applications of ultraviolet rays?

a. Signboard, traffic lights, artificial lighting

b. Satellite, radio, and television communication
c. Sterilization, fluorescence, synthesis of vitamin D
d. Remote control, night camera vision, and household electrical appliances

5. Which is used to locate broken bones?

a. X-rays
b. Microwave
c. Gamma rays
d. Infrared rays

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 Lesson Applications of Electromagnetic Waves
1

What’s In
Before you proceed to the lessons of the next module, take time to read the
following major concepts: Electromagnetic waves (EM) have unique properties.

● EM waves can travel through a vacuum.

● EM waves travel at the speed which is constant in each medium and has a
value of c = 3.0 x 108 m/s in vacuum.
● EM waves are disturbances in a field rather than in a medium.
● EM waves have an electric field that travels perpendicular with the magnetic
field.
● EM waves form when moving charged particles transfer energy through a field.
● Most electromagnetic waves are invisible to the eye but detectable. Only the
visible light is seen by humans.
● Waves in the electromagnetic spectrum include the following from the longest
wavelength to the shortest wavelength.

⮚ Radio waves
⮚ Microwaves
⮚ Infrared waves
⮚ Visible light
⮚ Ultraviolet rays
⮚ X-rays
⮚ Gamma Rays

● The waves in the various regions in the EM spectrum share similar properties
but differ in wavelength, frequency, energy, and method of production.
● The Region of EM waves utilized in radio, television and satellite communication
are radio wave and microwave.

What’s New
Activity 1.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Directions: Label the numbered regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

https://courslumenlearning.com/atd-bhcc-intropsych/chapter/waves-and-wavelengths/es.

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 What is It

Activity 1.1 shows the different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Every part of
the electromagnetic spectrum has multiple applications in our everyday lives, and
many of those applications involve technology.

Radio waves

Radio waves are used for communications that is why the thing in your car is
called a radio. But they are not just for FM and AM radio. They are also used to
broadcast television signals, and they are how mobile phones work - your voice is sent
through radio signals. Radio waves are also used for radar, which is why both words
start with the same three letters. Radar is extremely important in military operations
and can also be used in speed cameras and speed guns.

Microwaves

Microwave oven is used for heating foods. In a microwave oven, the microwaves
penetrate the food being heated. It will agitate the water molecules within the food, thus
creating molecular friction which then produces heat that will cook the food. In industry,
microwaves are used primarily for clean-up. They can be used to decrease air pollutants,
sanitize hospital waste, enhance dry cleaning solvents, and clean up polluted soil.
Microwaves are also used in cellular phones, telephones, telegraphs, television,
satellites, and radar (Radio Detection and Ranging). They are useful in communication
because they easily penetrate the earth's atmosphere. This comes in handy primarily
for space-vehicle communication.

Infrared waves

Infrared waves are what comes out of remote controls. Infrared is also a type of
wave that transmits a lot of heat. When you put your hand near to, but not touching
something and it feels warm, it is because of infrared waves coming out of it. All hot
objects produce infrared. Infrared waves can also be used to create heat-sensitive and
night-vision cameras. Infrared is also used for short-range communications, for example
between mobile phones, or for the Dolby screen talk headset system used in some
cinemas. One of the most common modern uses for IR is in the field of security.

"Passive Infra-Red" (PIR) detectors are used in burglar alarm systems, and to control the
security lighting that many people have fitted outside their houses. These detect the
Infra-Red emitted by people and animals. You have probably seen TV programs in
which police helicopters track criminals at night, using "thermal imaging" cameras
which can see in the dark.

Visible light

Visible rays are the only electromagnetic waves we can see. We see these waves
as the colors of the rainbow. Aside from sight, there are other important uses for visible
light. It is used in fiber optic communications, where coded pulses of light travel through
glass fibers from a source to a receiver. We concentrate visible light to make lasers to
use in everything from CD players to laser pointers. Visible light waves also make our
TV, computer, and cell phone screens work. The ray of light in our phones is made up
of visible light. The phone screens would have been difficult to view if it was just the
main waves of light. Visible light can be used for signaling through the VLC (visible light
communication). This is a kind of communication technology in which data can be
transmitted at a faster speed. With the headlights from vehicles and the traffic lights in
the road, there is a vehicle to vehicle communication. This communication exists due to
visible lights fixed or used in these headlights and traffic lights, if not, there would be

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accidents and chaos. As we all know the signboards emit light in the night for an easy
view to see the information given. The led light incorporated in these signboards is visible
light and it is very beneficial in our modern world. These lights are fixed to the top of
each room, maybe in a hotel or other large story buildings for easy identification of the
rooms.

Ultraviolet waves

The sun is the main source of ultraviolet radiation. From the sun’s light, UV
radiation can cause sunburn, but it synthesizes vitamin D in skin, controls the
endocrine system and is a painkiller. The artificial source of ultraviolet radiation such
as that of emitting from UV lamps are used by banks to check the signature on a
passbook. The signature is marked on the passbook with fluorescent ink. It becomes
visible when viewed under an ultraviolet lamp. These lamps are also used to identify
fake banknotes. Fluorescent light bulb uses ultraviolet waves to produce light. Certain
chemicals inside the lightbulb glow when they are exposed to ultraviolet light. The
chemical absorbs the energy of the ultraviolet waves and releases it as light. Ultraviolet
radiation is also used in sterilizing water from fountains. It is useful in killing germs.
Just as your skin can be damaged by absorbing the energy of ultraviolet waves, germs
can also be damaged. Food manufacturers use ultraviolet lamps to kill germs in some
foods.

X-Rays

X-rays are so powerful that they pass easily through the skin allowing doctors to
look at our bones. Security workers use X-rays scanners to form images of the contents
of passenger luggage. It is used at customs posts for detection of contraband goods like
explosive opium, etc. concealed in leather or wooden cases and in examining contents
of parcels without opening them. They are also used in distinguishing real diamonds
and parts from artificial ones.

What’s More
Activity 1.2 The Waves Town

Directions: Identify the applications /uses of the different forms of electromagnetic

waves.

https://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/Echo_the_bat/wavestown.pdf

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 Electromagnetic Wave Place Used

What I Have Learned

The regions in the electromagnetic spectrum have everyday uses and
applications as follows:

Electromagnetic Wave Uses / Applications

Radio waves Radio, television, RADAR, and satellite communications

Cooking food, satellite, RADAR, and television

Microwaves
communications

Remote control, household electrical appliances, thermal

Infrared waves scanner, autofocus camera, night vision, fiber optic
communication

To see, artificial lighting, screen of electronic devices,

Visible light signboards, traffic lights, fiber optics for faster
communication

Fluorescence, identifying fake bank notes, synthesis of

Ultraviolet rays
Vitamin D

Scan to form images of the contents of luggage, detection of

X-rays
defects in car tires and other materials

What I Can Do

Activity 1.3 Picture Gallery of The Applications of EM Waves

Directions: Create a picture gallery showing the applications/uses of the different

regions of electromagnetic waves.

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 Lesson Medical Uses of Electromagnetic Waves
2

What’s In
Activity 2.1 Total Recall
Directions: Match the kind of electromagnetic radiation on the left likely to be used
in each of the following technologies on the right. Each technology may be
used only ones.

Electromagnetic Radiation Technology

Radio wave A TV broadcast signals

Microwave B Fiber optics

Infrared C Examining the inside of a weld in a steel oil pipe

Visible light D Lamp used to warm a baby chick

Ultraviolet E Night vision cameras

X-ray F Cellphone and RADAR

What’s New
Activity 2.2 You Name It
Directions: What medical procedure is shown in each picture?

Picture Medical Procedure

1

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 What is It
Activity 2.2 gives us an idea of the applications of electromagnetic waves
in the field of medicine. Outlined are the ways in which each type of
electromagnetic radiation was observed and applications they are used in.
Microwaves
The common use of microwave energy is to create localized dielectric heating to
desiccate human tissue - known as microwave ablation. Common medical areas of
application include: Oncology, Cardiology, Gynecology, Rhizotomy, Otolaryngology
(ENT), Ophthalmology, Cosmetic treatments, and Dental treatments. Microwave
ablation is commonly used in the removal of unwanted tissue masses, for example liver
tumors, lung tumors and prostate ablation and in the treatment of large tumors. Cancer
patients who are poor surgical candidates can also benefit from microwave ablation, as
it is minimally invasive.
Infrared Rays
All objects emit some amount of infrared radiation that varies based on
temperature, so comparison of the emitted radiation can be used to visualize and
compare temperature. This can be used in medicine to examine locations of high and
low temperatures in an individual's body. Dentists utilize infrared light to treat many
types of wounds in the oral cavity. Moreover, rheumatologists have used infrared light
therapy to reduce pain and inflammation, particularly when autoimmune diseases are
involved. Dermatologists also use light therapy to manage patients with burns, skin
lesions, edema, ulcers, and dermatitis.
Visible Light
Laser light is a collection of light or concrete of light that is then pronounced as a beam.
The LASER lights are used in surgery rooms as the rays make it clear for a surgeon to see and
carry out his activities. LASER surgery is used to cut tissues and seal it without any scar left.
Ultraviolet Rays
Hospitals and clinics maintain a germ-free environment which might be the
difference between life and death. Medical facilities sometimes clean tools and surfaces
by bringing them near an ultraviolet lamp. Some air and water purifiers use ultraviolet
light to kill germs and reduce the spread of disease. Exposure to ultraviolet rays can
help control or cure certain skin problems such as psoriasis. This is done by exposing
the patient’s skin (phototherapy) to ultraviolet light. The waves carry enough energy to
slow the growth of the diseased skin cells. Ultraviolet waves are also used by dentists to
harden an adhesive in just a few seconds. UV synthesizes vitamin D in skin, controls
the endocrine system and is a painkiller.
X-Rays
X-rays can pass through skin and muscle, and fatty tissue. Although this
property makes X-rays dangerous, it also makes them useful. X-rays are used to see
whether bones are broken. The wide area of X-ray use is called radiology. Within
radiology, we find more specialized areas like mammography, computerized tomography
(CT), and nuclear medicine (the specialty where radioactive material is usually injected
into the patient). Another area of x-ray use is called cardiology—where special X-ray
pictures of the heart are taken.

Gamma Rays

Gamma rays when used in a controlled environment, can be applied in the field
of medical science with highly effective results when administered in low doses. They
have been used to kill certain types of cancer. In a controlled procedure, gamma rays

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are employed as a “gamma knife” consisting of multiple concentrated beams of gamma
rays that are focused directly onto a tumor to kill the cancer cells while leaving the
surrounding cells unharmed. As a diagnostic tool, gamma rays might be emitted in the
same energy range as X-rays. A patient is injected with a nuclear isomer called
technetium-99m, a radioactive tracer that emits gamma rays. A gamma camera is then
used to form an image of the tracer’s distribution in the body by mapping the gamma
rays. This image can be used to diagnose several conditions from the distribution of
cancer cells to brain and cardiovascular abnormalities.

What’s More
Activity 2.3 Medical Use of Electromagnetic Waves
Directions: Cite some medical uses of the different electromagnetic waves by writing it
inside the box.

What I Have Learned

The regions in the electromagnetic spectrum have medical uses and
applications as follows:

Electromagnetic Wave Uses / Applications

Microwaves Microwave ablation

Infrared waves Thermal scanning

Visible light LASER surgery

Ultraviolet rays Sterilization

X-rays Locating broken bones

Gamma rays Treating cancer cells

What I Can Do
Activity 2.3 Plan/Tasks
Directions: Each should prepare a report (written/PowerPoint) on one region of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The report should identify the items below.
1. An example of electromagnetic radiation
2. A laboratory source of the radiation
3. A device that can detect the radiation
4. How radiation is being used in modern research

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 Assessment
Directions: Choose the letter that corresponds to the best answer.

1. Which are the uses of visible rays?

I. fiber optics II. LASER surgery III. artificial lights IV. Signboards

a. I and II
b. I and III
c. III and IV
d. I, II, III and IV

2. Which are the uses of radio waves?

a. Sterilization, fluorescence
b. Radio and television communication
c. Satellite television and communication
d. Remote control, household electrical appliances

3. Which electromagnetic wave is used in LASER surgery?

a. Microwave
b. Visible light
c. Gamma rays
d. Infrared rays

4. Which electromagnetic wave is used in ablation?

a. Microwave
b. Visible light
c. Gamma rays
d. Infrared rays

5. How does an X-ray work?

a. A patient is exposed to sunlight before taking a picture of the injured parts

b. It examines locations of high and low temperatures in an individual's body
c. A radioactive tracer is injected to a patient before taking a picture of broken
bones
d. An electromagnetic wave passes through skin, muscle, and fatty tissues but
not bones and teeth