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11. Electromagnetic Spectrum

The document discusses electromagnetic (EM) waves, which consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields and travel at the speed of light. It outlines the electromagnetic spectrum, applications of various types of EM waves, and potential hazards associated with exposure to certain waves. Additionally, it compares analogue and digital signals in telecommunications, highlighting the advantages of digital systems.

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Adithi jane
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0 views

11. Electromagnetic Spectrum

The document discusses electromagnetic (EM) waves, which consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields and travel at the speed of light. It outlines the electromagnetic spectrum, applications of various types of EM waves, and potential hazards associated with exposure to certain waves. Additionally, it compares analogue and digital signals in telecommunications, highlighting the advantages of digital systems.

Uploaded by

Adithi jane
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WAVE PHYSICS
Part 4: Electromagnetic Spectrum
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Electromagnetic Wave
➢ EM waves consists of electric field, 𝐸ത and magnetic field, 𝐵ത oscillating at right angles to
each other.

➢ EM waves are transverse wave.


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➢ Properties of EM waves:
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▪ Travel at the speed of light, c (3.0x108 m/s)
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▪ Electrically neutral
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▪ Does not require medium to propagate.

▪ Carry energy
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➢ EM waves have various wavelengths and frequency. Hence, there is an EM spectrum. EM
spectrum is continuous.
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Electromagnetic Spectrum

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Visible Light

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Application - Electromagnetic Waves
Type of EM wave Application

Radiowave Used to broadcast radio and television signals, RFID

Microwave

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Used in satellite television, microwave oven

Infrared

Visible Lights
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Used in remote control, security alarms, grill and toasters

Used in photosynthesis, camera, telescope, microscope

UV ray
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Used in checking the counterfeit banknotes, sterilise water

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X-rays

Gamma rays M
Used in security scanners at airports, medical imaging

Used to kill cancerous cell, sterilise surgical instrument

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Hazard - Electromagnetic Waves
➢ Infrared – can cause burning.

➢ UV radiation from Sun can damage skin cell and eyes and lead to sunburn and skin
cancer.

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➢ X-rays and gamma rays are the most dangerous which can cause cell mutations which
may lead to cancer. People work with these rays will monitor their exposure to the rays.
Excessive exposure will cause bad effects.

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➢ Microwaves are more widely use in daily life such as oven. Due to repeated usage, a
person will be exposed more to the waves. Such equipment using the wave must be
checked for leakage.
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➢ Microwave and radiowave cause heating effects.

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Satellite - Electromagnetic Waves
➢ Earth has a natural satellite which is the Moon.

➢ Artificial satellite is used for communication purpose uses microwaves.

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➢ Some satellite used for communication is positioned at geostationary orbit which their
period of orbit is same as Earth. Distance from Earth is approximately 35,000 km. It can

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transmit large amounts of data. Satellite TV and phone use these satellites.

➢ Some satellite is positioned at lower orbit, approximately 2,000 km from Earth. They have

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shorter, cannot transmit data as fast as geostationary satellite.

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➢ Microwaves are used in wireless internet and mobile phone as they can pass through
most walls and only small aerial is needed.

➢ Bluetooth uses radiowaves as the signal is weakened when it passes through walls.

➢ Optical fibre (high speed internet) uses infrared radiation and visible light as they can carry
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more data.
Analogue & Digital Signal
➢ Signal from telecommunication is in the form sound wave which will be converted to
electrical signal by a microphone.

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➢ Due to people voices, sound wave varies in frequency and amplitude and when it is
converted into electrical signal, these analogue signals are unclear due to unwanted
vibrations/distortion of waves.

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➢ Electrical signals are transmitted in copper wire to a receiver which then converts it back
to sound waves.

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➢ Digital system uses optical fibres as it can carry more data, faster and much clearer

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signal. Digital signal is a sequence of pulses is either on or off.

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