Essay on Electro Magnetic Spectrum

Submitted By noahnadarajah
Words: 463
Pages: 2

Electromagnetic spectrum
Uses
Definitions:
Wavelength - The distance between successive crests of a wave
Frequency - The rate at which something occurs or is repeated over a particular period of time or in a given sample
Amplitude - The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.

Waves in the spectrum (least dangerous to most dangerous): * Radio waves – Longest wavelengths. Wavelengths range from hundreds of meters to about one millimeter. It is the weakest ray found on the electromagnetic spectrum. It is used for transmission of data through modulation. Uses: include televisions, mobile phones wireless networking and treating invasive surgeries, such as sleep apnea. * Microwave – Wavelengths range from as long as one meter to as short as one millimeter. Its shorter wavelengths make it a bit more dangerous than radio wavelengths. Uses: microwaves, phones, speed cameras and radar, which is used by aircraft, ships and weather forecasters. * Infrared light – Wavelengths range from one millimetre to 750 nanometres. Its shorter wavelengths mean that it is deadlier than microwaves. Infrared is given off by everything that is warm. Uses: Remote controls for television, video recorders and physiotherapists’ heat lamps for sports injuries. * Visible light – Wavelengths range from 380 nanometres and 760 nanometres. It is more harmful than infrared light as its wavelengths are shorter. Visible light can be seen by the colours of the rainbow. Uses: Photosynthesis and sight. * Ultraviolet – Wavelengths range from 315 nanometres and 380 nanometres. It is more harmful that visible light as its wavelength is shorter. Ultraviolet is given off by the sun. Uses: special lamps, sun tan, detecting forged bank notes, sterilisation (kills microbes) and causes the body to produce vitamin D. * X-ray * Gamma rays – Has a high frequency, high energy
Gamma