2020-05-11
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It is a family of waves. Waves have the following properties: amplitude, wavelength, frequency and speed. Study the diagrams below, as some questions in this worksheet will be about the properties of waves. The speed of a wave is calculated using the following formula:
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
The Electromagnetic Spectrum is actually radiation emitted from the nucleus of an atom. The wavelength decreases as we go towards the gamma ray end of the spectrum. Gamma radiation and X-rays are used for screening, diagnosis and therapy. They are both very penetrating and can pass through the body to treat internal organs.
Nuclear radiation increases the risk of cancer due to causing ionization, which means it changes the structure of atoms and, hence, living cells. However, it can be used to kill tumor cells after they are exposed to it with radiotherapy; for example, using Cobalt-60: a very radioactive material that emits gamma radiation.
When exposing tumor cells in the body to kill them, there is a danger of destroying healthy tissue, too. Therefore, treatment is set up in such a way, so as to constantly send a large dose of radiation to the tumor, but to only send intermittent, smaller doses to the surrounding healthy tissue.
Microwaves are used for heating and cooking food, mobile phones, satellite TV and long distance communication. They penetrate about 1cm into the outer layers of food. Microwave aerials are located on high buildings, because transmitters and receivers have to be in 'line of sight'. Satellite dishes are microwave receivers which deliver satellite television channels. Satellites orbiting the Earth are in line of sight with a huge aerial on the ground, which handles a great number of phone calls and television pictures at the same time.
Infrared signals are used to make remote controls, wireless computer mice and security alarm sensors. Radio waves are also useful for wireless technology and the radio. They are reflected off solid surfaces, so sometimes provide signals in hard to reach areas. Light has many uses, including communication, and can be sent with just a torch. This type of signal needs to be decoded.Visible light is the light from the Sun or even artificial light bulbs, which helps us see what is around us and the different colors. We can only see the visible part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum, but none of the other waves.
