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Electromagnetic Waves - Coggle Diagram
Electromagnetic Waves
Uses of EM waves
Radio waves
Radio waves are used for radio and television communications, they have long wavelengths and are reflected by the ionosphere. Radio waves with longer wave lengths are able to travel around obstacles better than those that have shorter wavelengths. However, an exposure to radio waves can cause cancer and leukemia
Microwaves
Microwaves are used for satellite communications, in radars, GPS, mobile phones, speed cams and in microwaves because they are able to penetrate deep into food and through the atmosphere. Exposure to microwaves can cause cataracts in the eyes.
Infra-Red radiation
Infrared radiation is emitted by hot surfaces and is used for ear thermometers, infrared cameras, such as those police cameras in helicopters, remote controllers and intruder alarms. Too much infrared causes overheating
Visible light
Visible light is produced by anything hot enough to glow and it is used in fibre optics, CD players and laser printers.' Too much visible light can damage the retina in the eyes.
UV rays
UV rays are produced by the sun and special UV lamps. It is used in sun tanning beds, to check for forgery in currency notes and for the sterilization of equipment. Although UV radiation helps to increase the production of vitamin D in the body, in the long term, prolong exposure can lead to skin cancer and sunburns
X-ray
X-rays are used in radiation therapy, to check for flaws in heavy metal equipment, imaging, and to help security personnel screen luggages efficiently at custom checkpoints. This is because it can penetrate materials easily. X-rays can cause cancer and cell damage
Gamma rays
Gamma radiation is used in medical treatments such as radiotherapy due to its high energy. Other than X-rays, gamma is also used in radiotherapy to kill off cancerous cells. As they have the highest frequencies, they are high energy rays that can kill living cells, exposure to gamma rays can cause cancer, cell mutations and damage.
Gamma surgery
The high energy gamma rays are emitted through a cobalt-60 source and is focused on the tumor with the use of a specialised protective helmet with holes drilled into it. Although each individual bean is not strong enough to damage living tissue, the point of convergence of the wave, has a cumulative energy strong enough to kill the cancerous cells
Ionising radiation
Ionising radiation is a type of radiation that has the energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules. Exposure to this type of radiation can cause cell division, leading to cancer and deformities in a developing foetus
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Components of EM waves
as speed is constant for all EM waves in a vacuum, as wavelength decrease, frequency must increase, and when frequency increases, the amount of energy transferred by the wave increases