Electromagnetic Spectrum
Uploaded by
Mr. BorgesElectromagnetic Spectrum
Uploaded by
Mr. BorgesElectromagnetic spectrum
Mr. Borges Physics IGCSE Syllabus: 3.2(e) Core and Supplement
Lesson objectives
In the end of this lesson you should be able to:
- describe the main features of the electromagnetic spectrum - state the speed of e.m. waves in vacuo. - describe the role of e.m. waves in modern technology applications such as: radio and television communications, satellite television and telephones, electrical appliances and medicine. - understand and describe the safety issues regarding the use of microwaves and X-rays. - explain the term monochromatic.
What are electromagnetic waves?
The energy field created by electricity and magnetism oscillates and it supports waves that move. Such type of waves are called electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves have both an electric part and a magnetic part and the two parts exchange energy back and forth. A 3-D view of an electromagnetic wave shows the electric and magnetic portions.
Electromagnetic waves
can travel in vacuo. They do not need a medium to propagate in. travel through a vacuum at an approximate speed of 3 x 108 m/s
this is usually called the speed of light, although all e.m. waves travel at that speed in vacuo.
are transverse waves, oscillating at right-angles to the direction of propagation. transfer energy. A source loses energy when it radiates e.m. waves. A material gains energy when it absorbs them.
Electromagnetic spectrum
The full range of electromagnetic waves is called the electromagnetic spectrum.
The range of wavelengths is huge, visible light is in the middle of it.
Electromagnetic spectrum: visible light
Visible light is a small part of the energy range of electromagnetic waves.
Visible light
The higher the frequency of the light, the higher the energy of the wave. Since color is related to energy, there is also a direct relation between color, frequency, and wavelength.
Speed of light
c = f l
Speed of light 3 x 108 m/sec
Wavelength (m)
Frequency (Hz)
Calculate wavelength
What is a monochromatic colour?
Monochromatic colors are all the colors (tints, tones, and shades) of a single hue.
Waves of the e.m. spectrum
Waves of the e.m. spectrum
Radio waves are on the low-frequency end of the spectrum. Microwaves range in length from approximately 30 cm to about 1 mm. The infrared (or IR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum lies between microwaves and visible light.
Waves of the e.m. spectrum
Ultraviolet radiation has a range of wavelengths from 400 nm down to about 10 nm. X-rays are high-frequency waves that have great penetrating power and are used extensively in medical and manufacturing applications. Gamma rays are generated in nuclear reactions.
Electromagnetic waves: dangers
Microwaves
Burning due to careless operation procedures of microwave electrical appliances. Research about possible damages caused by use of mobile phones are still inconclusive.
X-rays Although they are useful, there are issues about their indiscriminate use.
Genetic mutation Cancer / Leukemia Prenatal dangers
Lesson outcomes
You are expected now to be able to:
- describe the main features of the electromagnetic spectrum - state the speed of e.m. waves in vacuo. - describe the role of e.m. waves in modern technology applications such as: radio and television communications, satellite television and telephones, electrical appliances and medicine. - understand and describe the safety issues regarding the use of microwaves and X-rays. - explain the term monochromatic.
