Electromagnetic Waves

1. Components of the Electromagnetic spectrum

1.1. a) Radio waves

1.2. b) Microwaves

1.3. c) Infared(IR)

1.4. d) Visible Light

1.5. e) Ultra-violet rays (UV)

1.6. f) X-rays

1.7. g) Gamma rays

2. Properties

2.1. Does not require medium

2.2. Travel at constant speed of 3.0x10^8 m/s

2.3. Follows laws of reflection and refraction

2.4. Obey general wave equation: c=lambda/T c=f lambda

2.5. They are transverse waves.

3. Electromagnetic spectrum

3.1. Consists of EM waves of a continuous range of frequencies.

3.2. The higher the frequency, the lower the wavelength, vice versa

3.3. The higher the frequency, the greater the amount of energy carried by the EM wave.

4. Radiation

4.1. High energy EM waves like UV rays and gamma rays are ionisation radiation which causes electrons to gain energy and escape from the atoms.

4.2. This causes atoms to be charged and unstable.

4.3. Unstable atoms are likely to cause mutation in cells due to damaged DNA.

4.4. This harmful mutation leads to cancer or faulty genetic material being passed to the offspring.