Electromagnetic Spectrum Project

You will be taking a closer look at one of the eight types of electromagnetic energy
in the electromagnetic spectrum radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves,
visible light, ultraviolet light, x rays, gamma rays, and cosmic waves.
The class will be divided into eight groups. Each group will focus on a portion of
the electromagnetic spectrum. Groups should use traditional forms of research:
reference books from the media center or public libraries, your Chemistry textbook,
as well as Internet links. Each member of the expert group must have the necessary
information and materials to make a class presentation on their area of the
spectrum. Students should be creative in their presentations: have a variety of
materials to use for presentations including construction paper, chart paper,
markers, overheads, smart board, and magazines. The key to a successful and
interesting presentation is to use visuals, such as labeled diagrams. You may want to
create a power point presentation to go along with the other visuals.

Groups must work together to research the following information about their form
of radiation:
1. What are the characteristics of this type of radiation (wavelength, frequency,
key facts)?

2. Where is this type of radiation located on the electromagnetic spectrum in

relation to other kinds of radiation? What properties of the wave define why it
is found within this area of the spectrum?

3. How is it used or found in our everyday lives or in certain industries?

Identify / explain at least two uses.

Each group should answer the following questions and complete the chart that follows:
1. When scientists talk about "electromagnetic radiation", what are they really describing?

2. Is all radiation harmful? What are some "good" forms of radiation?

3. How does the Earth's atmosphere protect living organisms?

4. Look at the wavelength ranges for X-rays from your three different sources. Are they
exactly the same, or are there any differences? (You may need to do some unit conversion
to make the comparison.)

5. Look at the other kinds of electromagnetic radiation. Did your three sources agree on any
of the wavelength ranges?

6. Based on the results of your research, does it appear that the wavelength ranges for each
part of the electromagnetic spectrum have precise value, or do different scientists use
different definitions for each region? Justify your response.

7. What kinds of people use the electromagnetic spectrum in their work?

8. Do people in different fields all have the same definition for the range
of wavelengths for each region of the spectrum? (ultraviolet light, for
example)

9. What type of numbers the wavelength ranges would be: numbers

defined by the laws of physics, international standards, or numbers
assigned for convenience?

10.
Suggest explanations for why the values for each wavelength
range might be different for different scientists.
Type of
Electromagneti
c Radiation

Cosmic Rays

Gamma Rays

X-Rays

Ultraviolet

Visible Light

Infrared

Microwaves

Radio/TV

Does it get
through the
Earths
atmosphere?

Level of danger
it poses to
living
organisms

Yes/No

High/Low/Non
e

Uses &
Wavelength
Applications Range

Wavelength
Range

Wavelength
Range

(in meters)

(in meters)

(in meters)

Website:

Website:

Website:

As you watch the presentations by other groups, you should complete a learning chart with important facts and
questions about each type of radiation. Your learning charts should look like this:
Type of Radiation

Characteristic: wavelength ();

energy (J); frequency (Hz)

Where is it found?
How is it used?

Radio/TV

J=

Hz =

Microwaves

J=

Hz =

Infrared

J=

Hz =

Visible

J=

Hz =

Ultraviolet

J=

Hz =

X-rays

J=

Hz =

Gamma rays

J=

Hz =

Cosmic Rays

J=

Hz =

My question about this

type of electromagnetic
radiation:

Choose one question from the learning chart above and research the answer. (Bonus: 10 points)

Electromagnetic Spectrum Tutorial Websites:

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/interact/electromagneticspectrum.html
http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/waves_particles/index.html
http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/quantumzone/index.html
http://lectureonline.cl.msu.edu/~mmp/applist/Spectrum/s.htm
http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/waves3.html
http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/ems.html
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/emspectrum.html

http://observe.ivv.nasa.gov/nasa/education/reference/emspec/emspectrum.html
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/introduction/emspectrum.html
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/light/spectrum.html
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/multiwavelength_astronomy/multiwavelength_astronomy/activities.html
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/light/spectrum.html
http://gepasi.dbs.aber.ac.uk/roy/ftir/emspec.htm
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/emspectrum.html
http://observe.ivv.nasa.gov/nasa/education/reference/emspec/emspectrum.html
http://praxis.pha.jhu.edu/pictures/emspec.gif

http://www.howstuffworks.com/radio-spectrum.htm
http://www.howstuffworks.com/radio.htm
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/light/makewaves-frames.html
http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/vss/docs/Communications/2-more-about-radio-waves.html
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/spaceweather/wave_modulation.html