ELECTROMAGNETIC

WAVES

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

IDEA OF ELECTROMAGNETIC
SPECTRUM
Electromagnetic waves are transerve waves, consisting of oscillating electric fields
and magnetic fields
The oscillating electric fields and magnetic fiels at right angle to each other and to
the direction of propagation
Electromagnetic waves carry energy and momentum which matter which may be
imperted when they interact with matter
In vacuum the water travel with a constant speed of light, 3 x 10 metre per second

Electromagnetic waves

THE ELECTROMAGNETIC
SPECTRUM
The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuous spectrum, with no gaps in it
and no fruequencies anywhere in the range, which does not exist.
Like the spectrum of light, the different kids of radiation gradually change
from one to another their properties gradually change
Therefore, there is no sharp boundary between one type of radiation and the
next
There is often a large overlap at boundaries

ROYGBV

Do not require a
medium to propagate
and can travel through
vacuum

The waves
are
electrically
neutral

Travel at the speed of

light, 3x10 metre per
second in a vacuum

Magnetic and electric field an d

components of the wave oscillate at right
angles to each other and to the direction of
propogation of the wave

CAN TRANSFER
ENERGY

PROPERTIES OF
ELECTROMAGNETIC
WAVES

CAN BE
POLARISED

OBEY THE WAVE EQUATION

EXHIBITS
REFLECTION,
REFRACTION,
DIFFRACTION
AND
INTERFERENCE

V=frequency x
wavelength

DETECTORS AND
USED OF
ELECTROMAGNETIC
WAVES

GAMMA RAYS
EXAMPLE
SOURCES

DETECTOR
USES

BAD EFFECT

Nuclei of radioactive substance

Cosmic rays
Stars
Photographic films
Geiger-Meller Tube
To sterilise equipment and control
pest in agriculture
Radiotheraphy (cancer treatment)
Cell damage and cancer
DNA mutation

X-RAYS
EXAMPLE
SOURCE
DETECTOR
USES

BAD SIDE EFFECT

X-ray tube
Stars
Photographic film
Fluorescent screen
Medical imaging (x-ray photograph)
Airport security to check luggage
Detection of crack in building structures
Cancer
Cell Damage

ULTRAVIOLET
EXAMPLE
SOURCES

DETECTOR

USES

BAD SIDE EFFECT

Ultraviolet lamp
The Sun
Mercury lamp
Photo cells
Fluorescent chemical

Detection of fake banknotes

Production of vitamin D in human body
Automatic counting in industry
Burglar alarms

Sunburn
Blindness

VISIBLE LIGHT
EXAMPLE
SOURCES

DETECTOR
USES
BAD SIDE EFFECT

Fire
Bulb
Sun
Eye
Photo cells
Photography
Photosynthesis in plants
Increase rate of premature skin aging
Skin cancer
Damage to the retina

INFRA-RED LIGHT(IR)
EXAMPLE
SOURCES

Sun
Flame

DETECTOR

Special photographic film

Thermophile
Photo Transistor eye

USES

BAD SIDE
EFFECT

Night vision system

Remote control TV
Burglar alarm
Auto-focussing camera
Physioteraphy

Over-heat
Skin burn

MICROWAVE
EXAMPLE
SOURCES

Radar Transmitter
Stars
Microwave oven

DETECTOR

Wave Guide Tube

USES

BAD SIDE EFFECT

Satellite Transmissions
Traffic speed camera
Global Positoning System(GPS)
Cooking

Cataracts
Internal heating of body tissue

RADIO WAVES
EXAMPLE
SOURCES

DETECTOR

Aerials connected to TV or radio

USES
BAD SIDE EFFECT

Radio Transmitter
Lightning
Stars
Electrical oscillating circuit

For wireless
Telecommunication Airships, taxi, police
Potential risk to health
Causing migraine
Headache

THANK YOU