The Electromagnetic Spectrum Section 2

Spectrum

Types of EM Waves Radio Waves Microwaves Infrared Visible Light Ultraviolet (UV) X-rays Gamma rays

Radio Waves Cover a wide range of waves in the EM spectrum. They have some of the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies of all EM waves.

AM and FM Radio Waves AM Have longer wavelengths than FM radio waves. Can’t encode as much info as FM waves can FM Have shorter wavelengths than AM radio waves. Can encode more info than AM waves therefore most music stations are FM because they sound better.

Microwaves Have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than radio waves Microwaves carry more energy than radio waves Microwaves are used in radar, cooking and cell phones

Infrared Waves Have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than micro waves. More energy! Examples of sources that give off infrared waves: sun, stars, planets, trees buildings and even you.

Visible Light Is the very narrow range of wavelengths that people can see Humans see different wavelengths as different colors. (ROYGBIV) The longest wavelengths are seen as red the shortest as violet

Ultraviolet light Produced by the sun They have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than visible light. UV light has both positive and negative effects.

Effects Positives Negatives UV waves from UV lamps are used to kill bacteria on food and surgical instruments. People need some exposure to UV light on their skin to produce vitamin D Negatives Too much exposure to UV light can cause skin cancer, eye damage, sunburn, and premature aging of the skin

X Rays and Gamma Rays Have some of the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies of all EM waves. carry a great deal of energy and can easily penetrate a variety of materials. Too much exposure can cause damage or kill living cells.