Name: Grade & Section:

Lesson 1
Electromagnetic Spectrum:
Exploring Low Frequency Wavelength

MELC: Compare the relative wavelengths of different forms of electromagnetic waves.

Objectives: 1. Define wavelength
2. Illustrate wavelengths of Low Frequency EMS
3. Compare wavelengths of different forms of Low Frequency EMS

Let’s Explore and Discover

Unlocking Have you ever wondered how remote controls or cellular

of phones work? Why are we able to send files, pictures and videos
Difficulties on the internet? How do radio and television work? Let us explore
the world of Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS).

Wavelength The EMS is a range EM Radiations that carries energy as it

(noun) travels and spreads out as it goes. Let us explore some of its forms
defined as the from Radio Waves to Visible Light which is referred to as Low
distance between Frequency Waves and compared it to the other forms of the EMS.
two highest point Study the illustration below:
in a wave.

Television with antenna

uses both AM and FM
frequencies. Video
signal is transmitted
through the AM waves
having the longest
wavelength, while the
audio is through FM
waves, shorter in
wavelength as
compared to AM, but
carries much energy.
That is why sometimes Figure 1. Electromagnetic Spectrum
(Image Source: Chem_06_EMSpectrum, accessed
we experience delay in
November 19, 2020, https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/wp-
sound or video action in content/uploads/sites/150/2016/05/CNX_Chem_06_01_emspectrum.
mountainous areas. jpg rum.jpg. Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0).)

EMS are categorized by different wavelengths and frequencies it contains.

Each section of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum has characteristic energy levels,
wavelengths, and frequencies associated with its photons on which its relationship is
presented in figure 1.
1
 The image on the left illustrates the
parts of a wave. Crest is the highest peak
above the x-axis, while trough is the lowest
part. The symbol of wavelength is from the
Greek letter “lambda” (λ), which means any
point on one wave to the same point on the
next wave. While amplitude is between the
crest and the trough from the resting point or
x-axis.
An electromagnetic wave has a
frequency (ƒ) and a wavelength associated
with it and travels at the speed of light.
Frequency is defined as the number of
waves that passes through a given point in
a given time. The SI Unit of frequency is
hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz is equivalent to 1
wave passing through a fixed point in 1
second 1 wave/s or 1 /s. Refer to the formula
below for computing wavelength and
frequency.

𝒄𝒄 = ƒ𝝀𝝀 ; where c is equal to the speed of light with a

constant value of 3.00 × 108 m/s

(Source: “The Electromagnetic Spectrum”, College Physics Press-book.Dev, accessed

November 11, 2020, http://pressbooks-dev.oer.hawaii.edu/collegephysics/chapter/24-3-the-
electromagnetic-spectrum/.)
LOW FREQUENCY EMS

Radio Wave covers a very broad wavelength range

AM (Amplitude Modulation)
and are divided into many subranges, including
microwaves, electromagnetic waves used for AM and FM
radio, cellular telephones, and TV signals. The higher
FM (Frequency Modulation)
frequency, the more data the radio wave carries.
Common application is to send communications signals
by varying the wave’s amplitude (AM) or its frequency
(FM) which is called modulation.

Another example of Radio Wave is through Radar (Radio

Detection and Ranging) which uses electromagnetic sensor for
detecting, locating, tracking, and recognizing objects of various
kinds at considerable distances because of its great coverage
due to long wavelength. This system is used by airport towers,
one of which is Puerto Princesa City International Airport to
manage air traffic, avoid collision, and guide aircraft as it takes
off and lands on the airport.

Microwaves are the highest-frequency electromagnetic

waves that can be produced by currents in macroscopic
circuits and devices. Most satellite-transmitted information
is carried on microwaves. Microwave frequencies range from RADAR screen showing dots
about 109 Hz to nearly 1012 Hz. The high frequencies representing objects and
correspond to shorter wavelengths compared with other their proximity distance from
radio waves on which the term “microwave” is derived. A cell each other and the sources of
phone quickly tunes to hundreds of specifically assigned signal.
microwave frequencies to send text or calls. The low intensity
of the transmitted signal gives it a limited range.
2
 Infrared Radiation (IR) is
generally produced by thermal motion,
and the vibration and rotation of atoms
IR – Infrared and molecules. About half of the solar
UV – Ultraviolet energy arriving at Earth is in the infrared
region. The range of infrared frequencies
extends up to the lower limit of visible
light, below red from which its name was
obtained. Handheld remotes for changing
channels and settings on television sets
often transmit their signals by an infrared
beam that is placed direct line with the
infrared detector for the device to work.
(Image Source: OpenStax CNX, Solar
Radiation , accessed November 19, 2020, Visible light is the narrow segment
https://cnx.org/resources/dc6eb9a30013443 of the electromagnetic spectrum between
f18dc18a4d52fe17693acc8e8/CNX_UPhysics_ about 400 nm and about 750 nm to which
18_06_Greenhouse.jpg. Licenses by-nc-sa 3.0.) the normal human eye responds.

Red light has the lowest frequencies and longest wavelengths, whereas violet
has the highest frequencies and shortest wavelengths.

Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo
Violet
Figure 2. Comparison of the Wavelength Ranges of Visible Light
(Image Source: Daryl Janzen, “The Electromagnetic Spectrum”, Press book, Creative
.
Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, accessed November 11, 2020,
https://openpress.usask.ca/physics155/chapter/13-5-the-electromagnetic-
spectrum/#id45650142.)
(Source: “The Electromagnetic Spectrum”, Google Sites, accesses November 11, 2020,
https://sites.google.com/site/mrjhelectromagneticspectrum/home/visible-light.)
Solving Time
Orange within the visible light spectrum Solve for frequency:
𝑐𝑐
has a wavelength of about 620 nm. 𝑓𝑓 =
𝝀𝝀
What is the frequency of orange light? 3.00 𝑥𝑥 108 𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠
𝑓𝑓 =
Given: 6.2 𝑥𝑥 10−7 𝑚𝑚
𝒇𝒇 = 𝟒𝟒. 𝟖𝟖 𝒙𝒙 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 /𝒔𝒔 = 𝟒𝟒. 𝟖𝟖 𝒙𝒙 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝑯𝑯𝑯𝑯
wavelength (λ) = 620 nm
speed of light (c) = 3.00 × 108 m/s The value of the frequency falls within the
conversion factor 1 m = 109 nm range of the visible light.
Asked: Frequency (ƒ) The equation 𝒄𝒄 = ƒ𝝀𝝀 could also be used to
value of wavelength by dividing both sides of
Convert the wavelength to m, then apply the equation by f yields:
the equation 𝒄𝒄 = ƒ𝝀𝝀 and solve for 𝑐𝑐
𝝀𝝀 = ; where c has a constant value.
frequency. Dividing both sides of the 𝑓𝑓
equation by λ yields:
𝑐𝑐 (Source: “Wavelengths and Frequency
𝑓𝑓 = Calculation”, Lumen Learning Chemistry for Non-
𝝀𝝀
𝟏𝟏 𝒎𝒎 Major, accessed November 11, 2020,
𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔𝟔 𝒏𝒏𝒏𝒏 � 𝟗𝟗 � = 𝟎𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒎𝒎 https://courses.lumenlearning.com/cheminter/c
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝒏𝒏𝒏𝒏
𝒐𝒐𝒐𝒐 𝟔𝟔. 𝟐𝟐 𝒙𝒙 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏−𝟕𝟕 𝒎𝒎 hapter/wavelength-and-frequency-calculations/.)

3
Name: Grade & Section:

Lesson 1
Electromagnetic Spectrum:
A Journey to High Frequency EM Waves

MELC: Compare the relative wavelengths of different forms of electromagnetic waves

(S10FE-IIa-b-47).
Objectives: 1. Describe electromagnetic waves
2. Demonstrate the wavelengths of different forms of high frequency EM waves
3. Determine the types of waves that make up each form of high frequency EM
waves

Let’s Explore and Discover

In the morning, you are usually awakened by rays of
Unlocking light passing through your windows. On a weekday, this
of signifies that you should prepare for school. Sometimes, you
Difficulties
boil water for a cup of milk and place slices of bread for
breakfast in your electric bread toaster.
Electromagnetic At home, when you want to watch your favorite TV show
(EM) wave is a
and even listen to news, you just press the button in the
disturbance in a field
that carries energy remote control. In the bathroom of malls, you no longer turn
and does not require a the faucet on or off. You just simply put your hands under
medium to travel. the faucet, and water flows out and stops once you remove
(Source: Herma D. your hands from it.
Acosta et. al., Science
Did you know that electromagnetic waves are involved
10-Learner’s Material,
Pasig City: DepEd- in these activities? What do you think are electromagnetic
IMCS, 2015, 166.) waves? How are they formed?
In 1865, James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) formulated the electromagnetic
theory, that established a closer relationship between electromagnetism and light.
He presumed that a changing electric field induces a magnetic field and that a
changing magnetic field, in turn, generates an electric field. From this belief, Maxwell
predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves.
According to Maxwell, electromagnetic waves are disturbances produced by
accelerated charges, such as vibrating electrons, which cause a changing electric
field E and a changing magnetic field B. These waves move through empty space at
the speed of light (c = 3 x 10⁸ m/s). These waves are transverse, and have an electric
and a magnetic components. Each component is perpendicular to the other and
both perpendicular to the direction of wave motion (see Figure 1).

1
 “ Figure 1. Electric and magnetic
fields in an electromagnetic wave
are perpendicular to each other
and to the direction of propagation
of the wave.

(Source: Physics, Electromagnetic Wave, New York: Stack Overflow, February 7,

2020, accessed October 28, 2020,
https://physics.stackexchange.com /questions/353660/em-waves-how-
they-propagate.)
Heinrich R. Hertz (1857-1894), a German scientist, proved the predictions of
Maxwell. He showed how electromagnetic waves can be generated and detected using his
apparatus (see Figure 2). This is the reason why electromagnetic waves are also called
Hertzian waves.

Figure 2. Hertz Apparatus

(Source: John D. Jenkins, Hertz Apparatus, 800x600 256 color display, accessed October
28, 2020, Vintage Radio & Scientific Apparatus, Spark Museum of Electrical
Invention, Washington, http://www.sparkmuseum.com/BOOK_HERTZ.HTM.)

The Hertz apparatus contains a

primary coil A and a secondary coil B. The
secondary coil is linked to two metal balls
through an air gap. When an alternating
current is produced in A, a high voltage is
induced in B, thus, generating sparks
between the metal balls. The sparks across
the gap send out electromagnetic waves (see Figure 3. Hertz Experimental Setup
Figure 3). (Source: Hertz Experimental Setup, accessed
October 29, 2020, https://selfstudy
point.in/hertz-experiment/.)

Hertz studied the propagated waves by bending a piece of wire to create a short air
gap between its ends. The air gap served as a detector, which was a distance away from the
oscillating spark. Hertz noticed that whenever sparks were produced across the gap
between the metal balls in the secondary coil, a spark also occurred in the detector. This
means that waves sent by the induction coil could be detected at some distance away.

Hertz calculated the speed of the electromagnetic waves and he found it to be equal
to the measured speed of light, just like Maxwell predicted. Hertz showed that the
electromagnetic waves generated may be focused, reflected, and refracted like light waves.

With his electromagnetic theory and Hertz’s fndings, Maxwell found that light itself
must be a form of an electromagnetic wave. This conclusion meant that light and
electromagnetism are closely related.

2
 Since electric and magnetic disturbances radiate from a source, the phrase
“electromagnetic radiation” is used interchangeably with the phrase “electromagnetic
waves.”

Electromagnetic waves are formed when an electric field comes in contact with a
magnetic field. They are hence known as “electromagnetic” waves. The electric field and
magnetic field of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular (at right angles) to each other.
They are also perpendicular to the direction of the EM wave.
(Source: “Electromagnetic Waves,” The Economics Times, accessed October
29,2020, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/definition/electromagnetic-
waves.)

Electric waves are radiations in the form of heat, light, and electromagnetic energy,
which are propagated in space at the speed of light. When electromagnetic radiation in the
form of light is broken up into different colors, the band of colors is called the visible
spectrum.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum is a continuum of electromagnetic waves arranged

according to frequency and wavelength. It is a gradual progression from the waves of lowest
frequencies to the waves of highest frequencies. According to increasing frequency, the EM
spectrum includes: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and
gamma rays. These types of electromagnetic waves are defined by the energy
carried/possessed by the photons. From among the waves, the gamma rays have photons
of high energies while radio waves have photons with the lowest energies.
(Source: Herma D. Acosta et al., Science 10-Learner’s Material, Pasig City:
Department of Education,2015, 147.)

In your week 1 learning activity sheet, it has been mentioned that Electromagnetic
Spectrum (EMS) (see Figure 4) is divided into two categories: the Low Frequency EM
Waves (Radio, Microwave, Infrared, and Visible) and the High Frequency EM Waves, your
lesson focused on Low Frequency EM Waves. This time, join me in this week’s learning, we
will take a journey in the world of High Frequency EM waves.

Figure 4. Electromagnetic Spectrum

(Source: Allen Gathman, Electromagnetic Spectrum, accessed November 8, 2020,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/93525584@N00/5428089105.
License by-nc-sa 2.0)

3
Name: Grade & Section:

Lesson 1
Practical Applications of the
Different Low Frequency EM Waves
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. Identify the different low frequency EM waves
2. Describe some practical applications of the different low frequency EM waves
3. Relate the importance of the different low frequency EM waves

Let’s Explore and Discover

In today’s technology-driven world, communication is
power. The society has become increasingly dependent on Did you know that…
communication networks. Hence, engineers and scientists
continue to search for more reliable and efficient Low frequency EM Waves
communication systems. consist of the following:
 Radio waves
Wireless communication has become possible across  Microwaves
and beyond the world through the transmission and  Infrared rays
reception of the radio waves, one of the regions of  Visible light
electromagnetic waves.
Electromagnetic waves have a vast range of practical everyday applications that
include the use of communication by cell phone and radio broadcasting, WiFi, cooking,
vision, medical imaging, and many more.
Are you ready to explore more about the different practical applications of the
different low frequency electromagnetic waves?

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE DIFFERENT LOW FREQUENCY EM WAVES

Radio Communication
Radio waves can travel over long distances that is why they
are often used for communication. Aside from transmitting sound
and picture information from radio stations, radio waves are used
in airports, by safety officers in different establishments, and by
military officials to relay information. Even astronauts use radio
waves while they are in outer space to communicate with one another
because radio waves can also be transmitted through empty space.

Radio waves are produced by making electrons vibrate in an antenna. They have a
very wide range of wavelengths, and it is divided into smaller regions of wavebands. Each
waveband is allocated by law to a specific radio service.

Medium and high frequency waves are used for broadcasting by local radio
stations. In a radio station, sound is converted by a microphone into patterns of electric
current variations called audio-frequency (AF) signals. High frequency radio waves called
radio-frequency (RF) carriers can be modulated to match the electronic signal.

1
 In amplitude modulation (AM), the amplitude of the
radio waves (RF carrier) changes to match that of the audio- Other Applications of
frequency (AF) signal. This is used in standard broadcasting Radiowaves
because it can be sent over long distances. Very high
frequency waves provide a higher quality broadcasting  Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
including stereo sound. In this process, instead of the
 Tracking satellites
amplitude of the RF carrier, it is the frequency of the waves  Military surveillance
that changes to match that of the signal. This is called  Air traffic control
frequency modulation (FM).  Wifi
 Bluetooth
Low frequency waves are suitable for great distance.  Global Positioning
But the curvature of the earth limits the range to 80 km. To System (GPS)
extend the range, a repeater is used to receive the signal and  Radio frequency
identification (RFID)
to re-transmit it to the receiving station. High frequency
waves can be reflected by the ionosphere. This enables the
waves to be transmitted over great distances.

MICROWAVES

Satellite Communication
Microwaves can penetrate the atmosphere of the earth that is why they are used for
satellite communications. Microwave 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. This
is how we communicate with the rest of the world.
Most communication satellites are used to send and receive radio signals for
telephone services while the rest are for television broadcasting, scientific research, and
weather forecast.

RADAR
An acronym of Radio Detection and Ranging. It consists an antenna, transmitter,
and a receiver. The antenna whirls around to scan the surrounding area. The transmitter
sends out a narrow beam of microwaves in short pulses. A distant object reflects some of
the signal back to the receiver. The direction of the signal received gives the direction of the
object. The distance of the object can be calculated from the time lag between the
transmitted pulse and the reflected pulse.

Terrestrial Communication
Microwaves are used to transmit television news coverage from mobile
broadcast vehicles back to the station. The news crew can also set up a small antenna to
send signals to a communication satellite. This is how news are broadcasted and watched
live around the world.
A cell phone is a radio transmitter and
receiver that uses microwaves. Cellular phone is a
very sophisticated radio. It is today’s answer to the
emerging demand for mobile communication.
Cellular phones depend on overlapping network of
cells or areas of land several kilometers in diameter.
Each cell has its tower that receives and sends
microwaves signals.

Other Applications of Microwaves

 Microwave oven
 Remote sensing for disaster
 Weather forecasting
 Microwave Tomography

2
 INFRARED (The Invisible Heat)
Infrared radiation lies beyond the red end of the visible
light. We do not see these rays but we feel it as heat.
People, objects, and animals give off infrared radiation
proportional to their temperature. The difference in color
determine the differences in temperature. For examples
shades of blue and green indicate regions of colder
temperature; and red and yellow indicate warmer
temperature.
(Image Source: Pixinoo. Simulation of body
temperature check by thermoscan or infrared
Some useful applications of Infrared Radiation:
thermal camera for against epidemic flu
covid19 or corona virus. Free Royalty.
 Infrared scanners are used to show the temperature
https://www.dreamstime.com/simulation-
variation of the body. This can be used for medical
body-temperature-check-thermoscan-infrared-
thermal-camera-against-epidemic-flu-covid-
diagnosis.
corona-virus-image179024205)
 Infrared remote controls used in TVs, recorders, and other
electronic appliances.
 Infrared camera has transmitter that sends out infrared pulses used in surveillance,
road safety, firefighting, search and rescue, and gas leak detection.
 Infrared lamps are used to keep chicken and duck eggs warm so that they can hatch.
 Infrared is used in night-vision cameras.
Infrared is also used in the following devices:
 Car locking system  Headphones  Incubator
 Computers (mouse, keyboard, printer)  Navigation system  Cooking
 Emergency response system  Signages

VISIBLE LIGHT (Windows to the Universe)

=It is the only EM wave perceived by the human
eye. If not because of the visible light, we will not be
able to see the beauty of our surrounding.

Our eyes are sensitive to electromagnetic waves

of wavelengths that range from 4x10-7 m to 7x10-7 m.
This is the range of wavelengths of white light. When
white light passes through a prism, it is separated
into its constituent colors: the red, orange, yellow, (Image Source: Unknown Author, license
green, blue, indigo, and violet. These colors do not from https://www.flickr.com/photos/12
distinctly separate but they continuously change from 1935927@N06/13580411493?muraadmi
red to violet. Red color has the longest wavelength npreview&muraadminpreview&mobilefor
mat=false)
from among these colors and violet has the shortest.
Applications of Visible Light Some Important Applications of Laser
Field of
Functions
 This is essential for photosynthesis. Application
Photosynthesis is the process by which Defense  Marking targets
green plant makes food.  Measuring range and speed
 Traffic lights  Being used as secretive
illuminators.
 Commercial displays
Industrial &  Cutting, drilling, cladding, and
 Optical fibers Commercial welding materials
 Car headlights and tail lights  Laser printers
 Every device that has viewable screen  Barcode scanners
(TV, liquid crystal display, touch-pad Medicine  Correcting vision
devices)  Cosmetic treatment
 LASER (Light amplification by  Bloodless surgery
stimulated emission of radiation). Laser Science &  Measuring pollutant gases
Technology  Detecting earthquakes &
is a device that emits light through a
underwater nuclear blast
process called optical amplification.  Producing 3D pictures in space
(Source: Herma D. Acosta, et al., Science Grade 10 Learner’s Material, First Edition, Pasig City: DepEd – BLR 2017. pages 150-160)

3
Name: Grade & Section:

Lesson 1
Practical Applications of the High Frequency
Regions of Electromagnetic Waves
MELC: Cite examples of practical applications of the different regions of EM waves, such as
the use of radiowaves in telecommunications (S10FE-IIc-d-48)
Objectives: 1. Identify the different high frequency regions of EM Waves
2. Determine practical applications of Ultraviolet Radiation, X-ray, and Gamma rays
3. Recognize the importance of high frequency regions of EM waves

Let’s Explore and Discover

Technology has been a great contributor of developments
Unlocking Difficulties specifically in terms of communication. Formerly, we were using
o UV light got its wired telephones, but as time went by, the wireless technology
name because the has been introduced to us – radio and television, cellular
spectrum consists phones, WIFI, Bluetooth, e-mails and other wireless media for
of electromagnetic communication, in which some are products of electromagnetic
waves with (EM) spectrum travelling through space.
frequencies higher
than those that As a review, Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is generally
humans identify as divided into seven regions, in order of decreasing wavelength
the color violet. and increasing energy and frequency. The common designations
(Source:“The are: radio waves, microwaves, infrared (IR), visible light,
Electromagnetic ultraviolet (UV), X-rays, and gamma rays. Typically, lower-
Spectrum,” Lumen energy radiations, such as radio waves, is expressed as
Boundless Physics, frequency; microwaves, infrared, visible and UV light are usually
accessed November 26, expressed as wavelength; and higher-energy radiations, such as
2020, X-rays and gamma rays, are expressed in terms of energy per
https://courses.lumenle photon.
arning.com/boundless-
physics/chapter/the- (Source: “What is Electromagnetic Radiation?” Live Science, last
electromagnetic- modified March 13, 2015, https://www.livescience.com/38169-
spectrum/.) electromagnetism.html.)

High Frequency region of

electromagnetic waves includes
Ultraviolet radiation, X-ray, and
Gamma Rays.
A. Ultraviolet
Radiation is a portion of the
EM spectrum extending from
the violet, or short- (Image Source: VectorMine, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Free
wavelength, end of the visible Royalty, https://depositphotos.com/181201252/stock-
light range, to the X-ray illustration-electromagnetic-spectrum-infographic-
diagram.html.)
region. It is undetectable by
the human eye. Although, when it falls on certain materials, it may cause them to
fluoresce - emit electromagnetic radiation of lower energy, such as visible light.
(Source: “Ultraviolet Radiation,” Britannica, accessed November 26, 2020,
https://www.britannica.com/science/ultraviolet-radiation.)
1
 Practical applications of Ultraviolet Radiation includes production of Vitamin D
in our skin, sterilization and disinfection, treatment to illnesses, photography, forensic and
investigative science.

APPLICATIONS OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

UV exposure stimulates vitamin D UV photography, which is often
production in the body. In medical used for medical, scientific and
practice, one example is UV lamps forensic purposes, uses specific
can be used for treating psoriasis (a lenses to let UV light pass
condition causing itchy, scaly, red through the camera's lenses.
patches on the skin). Exposure to UV Nature photographers may use
light is a known risk for skin cancer, UV photography to capture
some cancerous skin conditions can patterns in flowers the human
be treated using UV light. eye cannot see.
*Fake currency notes, security Used to analyze the chemical
papers, passports, certificates, and structure of a compound via
other specialized documents will give color changes, UV is often used
different fluorescent due to the in chemical and biological
difference in sizing and the fibers plants, hospitals, water quality
present in the documents, specific
control laboratories, and the food
watermarks (Chemical and Mechanical)
can be easily differentiated based on industry. It can screen unwanted
their luminescence under UV rays. compounds during the
production of drinking water.
(Sources: 1. “What are the uses of Ultraviolet Light?” Sciencing, last modified April 26, 2018,
https://sciencing.com/homemade-uv-sterilizer-5852021.html.
*2. “Application of Ultra Violet (UV) Radiations in Questioned Document
Examination,” Forensic science Expert, last modified December 12, 2019,
https://www.forensicscienceexpert.com/2019/12/application-of-ultra-violet-
uv.html#:~:text=Ultraviolet%20(UV)%20illumination%20techniques%20are,on%20clo
thes%2C%20detecting%20ink%20stains.)
B. X- rays are electromagnetic waves like radio and
light waves. These all travel at the speed of light,
which is 300 000 km per second.

Unlocking of A common application is

Difficulties in the form of X-ray
machines, which take photos
o Photon is the
smallest discrete of a patient’s body in cases of
amount or quantum broken arms or legs. The (Image Source: Media
Production,Airport security
of electromagnetic rays go through the skin and
radiation. It is the check,Free Royalty,
flesh easily, showing up as https://www.gettyimages.com/det
basic unit of all dark areas on the film, but
light. ail/photo/airport-security-check-
with more difficulty through royalty-free-image/527890060.)
bone. They are slowed down
(Source: “What exactly and so these areas are much lighter. X-rays can also be used to
is a photon?” ZME
Science, last modified kill cancer cells, but also kill healthy ones, so must be used with
June 23, 2017, much care.
https://www.zmescienc X-ray photons carry enough energy to ionize atoms, a very
e.com/science/what-is- high radiation dose over a short amount of time causes radiation
photon-definition- sickness, while lower doses can give an increased risk of
04322/.)
radiation-induced cancer.
Other practical uses of X-rays are in industry, at airports to check
customers and baggage, and by art historians to see if a picture has been
painted on top of an older one.

2
 C. Gamma radiation, also known as gamma rays or
Unlocking of hyphenated as gamma-rays and denoted as γ, is
Difficulties electromagnetic radiation of high frequency and therefore
o Though Cosmic rays high energy. Gamma rays and neutrons are more
are some form of penetrating, causing diffuse damage throughout the body
electromagnetic (radiation sickness, cell’s DNA damage, cell death due to
radiation, they are damaged DNA, increasing incidence of cancer) rather than
actually subatomic burns. High frequency waves like the gamma rays are
particles travelling at harmful because they carry very high amount of energy that
significant fractions of
enables them to penetrate and kill living cells.
the speed of light.
Primarily atomic
nuclei (hydrogen and (Source: “The Electromagnetic Spectrum,” Lumen Boundless
helium nuclei) are the Physics, accessed November 26, 2020,
most common, but https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-
nuclei of all naturally physics/chapter/the-electromagnetic-spectrum/.)
occurring elements
have been detected.
(Source: “Cosmic Rays,”
Centre for Astrophysics
and Supercomputing
HOW ARE GAMMA
(COSMOS), accessed
November 26,2020.
RAYS USED?
https://astronomy.swinb
urne.edu.au/cosmos/C/
Cosmic+Rays.)
MEDICINE
Radiation therapy uses high-energy
gamma rays to kill cancer cells and shrink
tumors. Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is a
ONE special form of radiotherapy. It uses
beams of gamma rays to treat injured
brain tissue by damaging the DNA of
dangerous cells.

FOOD INDUSTRY
Food producers can use gamma sterilization. That’s a
type of irradiation that uses gamma rays to increase the
shelf-life of food and drinks. Food products are
bombarded with a source of high-energy gamma rays,
TWO normally Cobalt-60 or Cesium-137. These gamma rays
modify chemical bonds and kill bacteria that can cause
illness. This is an important process for food
preservation, just like canning fruit or pasteurizing
dairy products.

INDUSTRIAL
Industrial radiography is a method used to test materials for
flaws, such as cracks. In industrial radiography, gamma rays let
people look for problems without damaging the materials.
THREE Industrial radiography is a nondestructive way to test products
such as pipes, welded materials or airplane parts. These
testing procedures ensure that the materials are safe and of good
quality. X-rays and ultrasound radiation are also used for this
work.

(Source: “Gamma Rays: Helper or Hazard?”Lets talk Science, last modified

November 23, 2019, https://letstalkscience.ca/educational-resources/stem-in-
context/gamma-rays-helper-or-hazard.)