The Properties of Light By: Ciera Evans Block 7

The Electromagnetic Spectrum The electromagnetic spectrum consists of 7 different types of light waves. -Radio Waves -Microwaves -Infrared -Visible Light -Ultraviolet -X Rays -Gamma Rays

Radio Waves The longest wavelengths Lowest frequency Lowest energy Carries signals to radios and televisions AM: Amplitude Modulation (Longest Wavelength) Bounces off Ionosphere FM: Frequency Modulation

Microwaves Higher frequency than radio waves. Higher energy than radio waves. Smaller wavelength than radio waves Used for radars, cell phones Used to heat up food.

Infrared Waves Has energy that is just below visible light. “Infra” means below Given off by stars, lamps, fire, etc. You can feel infrared radiation as warmth on your skin. Used for remote controls.

Visible Light The only part of the EM spectrum that we can see. Contains seven different colors. Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet

Ultraviolet Waves Found after violet in visible light. Effective in killing bacteria and viruses Overexposure can cause skin cancer and sunburn. Can kill plants if they are overexposed also. Sunblock protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

X- Rays Used in hospitals to find complications in bones. Soft body tissue is transparent to the waves. Bones block the rays. Overexposure to x-rays can cause cancer. Can also cause the reduction of blood.

Gamma Rays Used to treat certain cancers and tumors. Could also cause cancers as a disadvantage. Detects brain and cardiovascular abnormalities. Used to kill pesticides and bugs.

Bibliography http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/emspectrum.html http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/teachersite/UL3waves.htm http://www.darvill.clara.net/emag/emaginfra.htm http://www.stmary.ws/highschool/physics/uv_1.htm