Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
FORM 4
PHYSICS
DATE: 02-06-2020
Electromagnetic waves
Electromagnetic waves are that type of wave motion among which occurs the particular type which enables us
to see. They also are the type that brings radio and television programmes to our homes, and make plants grow.
We also use them to examine tissues in the human body and the range of applications to which they have been
put is steadily getting wider. That this is so is probably due to the fact that the range of electromagnetic
wavelengths is enormous: the wavelengths of radio and television waves are very large (they can be hundreds of
metres), whereas those that are used to examine tissue are extremely short, being millionths of a micron.
Electromagnetic waves or EM waves are waves that are created as a result of vibrations between an electric
field and a magnetic field. In other words, EM waves are composed of oscillating magnetic and electric fields.
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.
When Electric charges exert forces on each other, an electric field is formed around each electric charge. An
electric field is the region in which an electric force acts. A magnetic field is a region in which a magnetic force
acts
FREQUENCY AND
WAVELENGTH OF THE
SPECTRUM.
Electromagnetic Spectrum Uses / Applications
Gamma rays are used for killing the bacteria in marshmallows &to sanitize medical
equipment
X-rays are used for scanning the structures of image bone
Ultraviolet light can observe bees because flowers can stand-out visibly at this frequency
Visible light is used to view the world by humans
Infrared is used in laser metal cutting, night vision, and heat sensors,
Microwave is used in radar, and microwave ovens
Radio waves are used in radio, TV broadcasts