The electromagnetic spectrum
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Put the seven types in order of wavelength and frequency, and say which has the most energy
- Match a use to the type of wave that is used
- Explain why gamma and X-rays are more dangerous than radio waves, and what protects against them
- [H] Calculate the wavelength or frequency of an electromagnetic wave
You should already know
- Transverse waves and wave speed (Chapter 17)
- Standard form and powers of ten (KS3 Maths)
Where this leads
- Reflection, refraction and lenses (Chapter 18, which uses light)
- Radioactivity and ionising radiation (Chapter 11)
GCSE Physics. Content follows the GCSE (9-1) subject content for England (Edexcel and AQA). Content references: Order the seven types of electromagnetic wave by wavelength and frequency: radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma, State that all electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, about 3.0 x 10^8 m/s, Describe uses of each type of electromagnetic wave, Describe the dangers of ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma, microwave and infrared radiation, and how to reduce them, [H] Use v = f lambda with c = 3.0 x 10^8 m/s to calculate the wavelength or frequency of an electromagnetic wave, Explain the greenhouse effect as the absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by gases (idea).
Exercise P Do you remember?
Method. Light is transverse; sound in air is longitudinal.
- Recall. Light is a transverse wave.light
- Write the answer. light
Check. ✓
Method. Divide the powers of ten.
- Divide. 3 x 10^8 / 10^6 = 3 x 10^2 = 300.300
- Write the answer. 300
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the unit.
- Recall. Wavelength is measured in metres.metre
- Write the answer. metre (m)
Check. ✓
Method. Move the decimal point nine places left.
- Move. 2 x 10^-9 = 0.000000002.0.000000002
- Write the answer. 0.000000002
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the store.
- Recall. Food has energy in its chemical store.chemical
- Write the answer. chemical
Check. ✓
The seven types of electromagnetic wave
Electromagnetic (EM) waves are transverse waves that do not need a medium, so they can travel through a vacuum. In a vacuum they all travel at the speed of light, about 3.0 x 108 m/s. The seven types, in order of decreasing wavelength (and increasing frequency), are: radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma.
A short way to remember the order from the longest wavelength is: Really Mean Interesting Very Unusual X-ray Girls (the first letters: R, M, I, V, U, X, G).
Key ideas
- Radio: longest wavelength, lowest frequency.
- Gamma: shortest wavelength, highest frequency, most energy per photon.
- All EM waves travel at 3.0 x 10^8 m/s in a vacuum.
- Order: radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma.
Method. Look at the end of the spectrum with the shortest wavelength.
- Look. The spectrum runs from radio (longest) to gamma (shortest).gamma at the end
- Decide. So gamma has the shortest wavelength.gamma
- Write the answer. gamma
Check. ✓
Method. Use the order of the spectrum.
- Order. Visible light has a short wavelength; X-rays are shorter still; microwaves are the longest of the three.visible, X-ray, microwave
- Arrange. From shortest to longest: X-ray, visible light, microwave.X-ray, visible, microwave
- Write the answer. X-ray, visible light, microwave
Check. ✓
Method. Look at the end of the spectrum.
- Look. Frequency increases towards the short-wavelength end.short wavelength
- Decide. Gamma rays have the highest frequency.gamma
- Write the answer. gamma
Check. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: the order is for wavelength. Longer wavelength means lower frequency. Radio waves have the lowest frequency; gamma the highest.
Exam tip
Exam tip. When asked to order the EM spectrum, start with radio at the long-wavelength end and finish with gamma at the short-wavelength end.
Exercise 19A Order of the spectrum
Method. Recall the order.
- Recall. Radio waves have the longest wavelength in the spectrum.radio
- Write the answer. radio
Check. ✓
Method. Frequency is highest at the short-wavelength end.
- Recall. Gamma rays have the highest frequency.gamma
- Write the answer. gamma
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the order.
- Recall. Infrared is between microwave and visible light.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the order.
- Recall. Ultraviolet is between visible light and X-rays.ultraviolet
- Write the answer. ultraviolet
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the speed of light.
- Recall. All EM waves travel at about 3.0 x 108 m/s in a vacuum.3.0 x 10^8
- Write the answer. 3.0 x 10^8 m/s
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. Remote controls use infrared.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Use the order of the spectrum.
- Order. Radio is longest; visible light is shorter; gamma is the shortest.radio, visible, gamma
- Write the answer. radio, visible light, gamma
Check. ✓
Method. Shorter wavelength means higher frequency.
- Compare. Visible light has a shorter wavelength than infrared, so a higher frequency.visible light
- Write the answer. visible light
Check. ✓
Method. Think about what they have in common.
- Common. All EM waves are electromagnetic waves.electromagnetic
- Speed. In a vacuum, all of them travel at the speed of light.speed of light
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says they are all electromagnetic waves with the same speed of light in a vacuum.
Check. ✓
Method. They travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
- Check. All EM waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum, so the pupil is wrong.same speed
- Write the answer. no
Check. ✓
Method. Frequency increases from radio to gamma.
- Order. Radio has the lowest frequency; infrared is higher; X-ray is higher still.radio, infrared, X-ray
- Write the answer. radio, infrared, X-ray
Check. ✓
Uses of electromagnetic waves
Each type of EM wave has uses that match its properties. Radio waves carry broadcasts and communications. Microwaves carry satellite and phone signals and heat food. Infrared is used in remote controls, heaters and thermal cameras. Visible light is used for vision and for signals in optical fibres. Ultraviolet is used in fluorescent lamps and for security marking. X-rays are used in medical imaging and security scanners. Gamma rays are used to sterilise equipment and treat cancer, and as tracers.
| Type | Example uses |
|---|---|
| radio | broadcasting and communication |
| microwave | satellite communications, mobile phones, cooking food |
| infrared | remote controls, thermal imaging, heaters |
| visible light | seeing, optical fibres for communication |
| ultraviolet | fluorescent lamps, security marking, sterilising |
| X-ray | medical imaging, security scanners |
| gamma | sterilising medical equipment, treating cancer, tracers |
Key ideas
- Radio: broadcasting, communication.
- Microwave: satellites, phones, cooking.
- Infrared: remote controls, thermal imaging, heaters.
- X-ray and gamma: medical use, sterilising, tracers, cancer treatment.
Method. Recall the use.
- Look. Think about what the question is asking.look
- Recall. X-rays pass through soft tissue but are absorbed by bone, so they give an image.X-ray
- Write the answer. X-ray
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use of microwaves.
- Look. Think about what the question is asking.look
- Recall. Satellite communications use microwaves.microwave
- Write the answer. microwave
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Look. The tube gives out a radiation that makes the phosphor coating glow.phosphor
- Recall. The radiation inside the tube is ultraviolet.ultraviolet
- Write the answer. ultraviolet
Check. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a use depends on the wave, not on the object. X-rays are used for images because they pass through soft tissue, not because they are safe.
Exam tip
Exam tip. For a uses question, name the wave type, then give the property that makes it suitable (penetration, heating, reflection).
Exercise 19B Uses of EM waves
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. Radio waves carry broadcasts.radio
- Write the answer. radio
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. Microwave ovens use microwaves to heat food.microwave
- Write the answer. microwave
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. Infrared heaters transfer heat by radiation.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. Gamma rays kill microbes, so they sterilise equipment.gamma
- Write the answer. gamma
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. Light signals travel down optical fibres.visible light
- Write the answer. visible light
Check. Accept infrared, which is also used in fibres. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. A fluorescent lamp uses ultraviolet inside the tube to make the phosphor glow.ultraviolet
- Write the answer. ultraviolet
Check. ✓
Method. Think about what the camera detects.
- Recall. A thermal camera detects the infrared given out by warm objects.heat
- Write the answer. heat
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. Remote controls send infrared pulses to the TV.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the use.
- Recall. Radio waves are used for broadcasting.radio
- Write the answer. radio
Check. ✓
Method. Think about how X-rays interact with materials.
- Bones. X-rays are absorbed by bone, so bones show up on an image.absorbed by bone
- Lighting. They are harmful and do not light up rooms, so they are not used for lighting.harmful
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says X-rays pass through soft tissue but are absorbed by bone, and are not suitable for lighting.
Check. ✓
Method. Radio and microwaves carry signals.
- Recall. Radio and microwaves are both used to carry communication signals.radio, microwave
- Write the answer. radio, microwave
Check. ✓
Method. Think about the atmosphere.
- Pass. Microwaves pass through clouds and the atmosphere well.pass through
- Reliable. So a satellite signal is reliable even in cloudy weather.reliable
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says microwaves pass through the atmosphere and clouds, so the signal is reliable.
Check. ✓
Dangers of electromagnetic radiation
Some EM waves are dangerous. Ultraviolet can damage skin cells, causing sunburn and, over time, skin cancer. X-rays and gamma rays are ionising: they can knock electrons out of atoms and damage cells and DNA. Exposure is reduced by shielding (lead for X-rays and gamma), by limiting the time, and by keeping a large distance. Microwaves are absorbed by body tissue and can cause heating, which is why ovens have a shield. Infrared transfers heat, and can cause burns if the energy is too high.
| Type | Main danger | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ultraviolet | sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer | can damage the skin cells; wear sunscreen and avoid long exposure |
| X-ray and gamma | damage to cells and DNA | they are ionising, so they can change cells |
| microwave | heating of body tissues | the wave is absorbed and heats the tissue (as in an oven) |
| infrared | burns from heat | the wave transfers heat energy to the skin |
Key ideas
- Ultraviolet: skin damage and skin cancer; reduce with shade, sunscreen and clothing.
- X-ray and gamma: ionising, so they damage cells; reduce with lead shielding, time and distance.
- Microwave: heats tissue; ovens are shielded.
- Infrared: heat, which can burn the skin.
Method. Think about the energy.
- Energy. X-rays and gamma rays have high frequency and high energy.high energy
- Ionising. So they are ionising and can damage cells, unlike radio waves.ionising
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says they are ionising and can damage cells.
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the wave.
- Look. Think about what the question is asking.look
- Recall. Ultraviolet light from the Sun causes sunburn.ultraviolet
- Write the answer. ultraviolet
Check. ✓
Method. Think about the energy needed to kill microbes.
- Look. Sterilising needs a wave with a lot of energy, which is ionising.ionising
- Recall. Gamma rays are used to sterilise medical equipment.gamma
- Write the answer. gamma
Check. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a wave is more dangerous as its frequency rises, because it carries more energy per photon. Radio waves are not the same as X-rays for safety.
Exam tip
Practical safety. Never look directly at the Sun or a bright light source, and never use lasers or strong UV lamps without supervision.
Exercise 19C Dangers and safety
Method. Recall the wave.
- Recall. Ultraviolet damages the skin, causing sunburn.ultraviolet
- Write the answer. ultraviolet
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the protection.
- Recall. Sunscreen, shade and clothing reduce exposure to ultraviolet.sunscreen
- Write the answer. sunscreen
Check. Accept shade or clothing. ✓
Method. Recall the wave.
- Recall. Gamma rays are ionising and are used in cancer treatment.gamma
- Write the answer. gamma
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the material.
- Recall. Thick lead absorbs X-rays and gamma rays.lead
- Write the answer. lead
Check. ✓
Method. Think about what the microwaves do.
- Recall. The screen keeps microwaves inside, to prevent heating of the body.heating
- Write the answer. heating
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the heating effect.
- Recall. Infrared transfers heat, which can burn the skin.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Think about the energy.
- Energy. X-rays have high energy.high energy
- Ionise. This is enough to knock electrons out of atoms, which is ionisation.knock electrons out
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says they have enough energy to knock electrons out of atoms.
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the wave used for internal images.
- Recall. X-rays pass through soft tissue and can be detected to form an image.X-ray
- Write the answer. X-ray
Check. ✓
Method. Radio waves have the lowest energy per photon.
- Check. Radio waves are the least dangerous; gamma rays are more dangerous.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. ✓
Method. Think about the dose.
- Time. The dose depends on how long a person is exposed.time
- Distance. The dose falls with greater distance from the source.distance
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says less time and more distance reduce the dose received.
Check. ✓
Method. Think about what sunbeds emit.
- Emit. Sunbeds emit ultraviolet.ultraviolet
- Damage. This can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.damage
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says they expose the skin to ultraviolet, which can damage it.
Check. ✓
The greenhouse effect (idea)
Short-wavelength radiation from the Sun passes through the atmosphere and warms the Earth’s surface. The warm surface then emits infrared. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane absorb some of this infrared and re-emit it in all directions, so less energy escapes to space. The extra greenhouse gases from human activity increase this effect, which is linked to global warming.
Key ideas
- The Sun gives out mainly visible light and ultraviolet; the Earth gives out infrared.
- Greenhouse gases absorb infrared and re-emit it.
- More greenhouse gas means more energy trapped, so the Earth warms.
- Carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases.
Method. Recall a greenhouse gas.
- Look. Think about what the question is asking.look
- Recall. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that absorbs infrared.carbon dioxide
- Write the answer. carbon dioxide
Check. Accept methane or water vapour. ✓
Method. Think about the temperature of the Earth.
- Look. Think about what the question is asking.look
- Recall. A warm body gives out infrared radiation, so the Earth gives out mainly infrared.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the gas.
- Look. Burning fuels releases a gas into the air.burning
- Recall. That gas is carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.carbon dioxide
- Write the answer. carbon dioxide
Check. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: the greenhouse effect is not the same as the ozone layer. Greenhouse gases trap infrared; the ozone layer absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet.
Exam tip
Exam tip. In an explanation of the greenhouse effect, say: infrared is absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases, so less energy escapes.
Exercise 19D The greenhouse effect
Method. The Earth is warm.
- Recall. The Earth gives out infrared.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the gas.
- Recall. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide.carbon dioxide
- Write the answer. carbon dioxide
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the process.
- Recall. Greenhouse gases absorb infrared and re-emit it.absorb
- Write the answer. absorb
Check. ✓
Method. The Sun gives out visible light.
- Recall. The Sun gives out a large amount of visible light.visible light
- Write the answer. visible light
Check. ✓
Method. Think about the infrared.
- Absorb. Greenhouse gases absorb infrared from the Earth.absorb
- Re-emit. They re-emit it, so less energy escapes to space and the Earth warms.re-emit
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says they absorb and re-emit infrared, so less energy escapes to space.
Check. ✓
Method. They are different processes.
- Check. The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet; the greenhouse effect traps infrared.different
- Write the answer. no
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the ozone layer.
- Recall. The ozone layer absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet from the Sun.ultraviolet
- Write the answer. ultraviolet
Check. ✓
Method. Think about the energy balance.
- Trap. Without greenhouse gases, less infrared is trapped.less trapped
- Escape. So more energy escapes to space and the Earth is colder.colder
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says less infrared would be trapped, so more energy would escape to space.
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the radiation from warm objects.
- Recall. Warm objects give out infrared.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the order of the spectrum.
- Recall. Microwaves come before infrared in the spectrum, so they have a lower frequency.lower
- Write the answer. lower
Check. ✓
[H] Calculations with the speed of light
[H] Higher tier only. All EM waves travel at c = 3.0 x 108 m/s in a vacuum (and very nearly in air). So for any EM wave, c = f x lambda. Use this to find the wavelength from the frequency, or the frequency from the wavelength. Write the answers in standard form.
Key ideas
- [H] c = f x lambda, with c = 3.0 x 10^8 m/s, f in Hz and lambda in m.
- [H] lambda = c / f; f = c / lambda.
- [H] Convert nm, um and cm to m before you calculate.
- [H] Higher frequency means shorter wavelength.
Method. Use lambda = c / f.
- Take the numbers. c = 3.0 x 108 m/s and f = 6.0 x 1014 Hz.c = 3.0 x 10^8, f = 6.0 x 10^14
- Divide. lambda = 3.0 x 108 / 6.0 x 1014 = 0.5 x 10-6 = 5.0 x 10-7 m.5.0 x 10^-7
- Write the answer. 5.0 x 10^-7 m
Check. ✓
Method. Convert to m, then use f = c / lambda.
- Convert. 3 cm = 0.03 m = 3 x 10-2 m.3 x 10^-2
- Divide. f = 3.0 x 108 / 3 x 10-2 = 1.0 x 1010 Hz.1.0 x 10^10
- Write the answer. 1.0 x 10^10 Hz
Check. ✓
Method. Use lambda = c / f.
- Divide. lambda = 3.0 x 108 / 3.0 x 108 = 1 m.1
- Check. c = f x lambda = 3.0 x 108 x 1 m, which is correct.1 m
- Write the answer. 1 m
Check. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: [H] convert the wavelength to metres first. 3 cm is 0.03 m, and 500 nm is 5 x 10-7 m.
Exam tip
Exam tip. [H] Write c = f lambda, rearrange for the quantity you need, substitute with standard form, and check the answer is in the right range.
Exercise 19E [H] Wavelength and frequency calculations
Method. v = f lambda.
- Multiply. v = 2 x 106 x 150 = 3 x 108 m/s.3 x 10^8
- Write the answer. 3 x 10^8 m/s
Check. ✓
Method. lambda = c / f.
- Divide. lambda = 3 x 108 / 1 x 108 = 3 m.3
- Write the answer. 3 m
Check. ✓
Method. f = c / lambda.
- Divide. f = 3 x 108 / 6 = 0.5 x 108 = 5 x 107 Hz.5 x 10^7
- Write the answer. 5 x 10^7 Hz
Check. ✓
Method. Longer wavelength means lower frequency.
- Compare. The lower frequency, 1 x 109 Hz, has the longer wavelength.1 x 10^9
- Write the answer. 1 x 10^9 Hz
Check. ✓
Method. Think about what c is.
- Speed. c is the speed of light in a vacuum.speed of light
- Same. So all EM waves in a vacuum have that speed.all EM waves
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says this is the speed of light, which is the same for all EM waves in a vacuum.
Check. ✓
Method. f = c / lambda.
- Divide. f = 3.0 x 108 / 0.5 = 6.0 x 108 Hz.6.0 x 10^8
- Write the answer. 6.0 x 10^8 Hz
Check. ✓
Method. lambda = c / f.
- Divide. lambda = 3.0 x 108 / 5.0 x 1014 = 6.0 x 10-7 m.6.0 x 10^-7
- Write the answer. 6.0 x 10^-7 m
Check. ✓
Method. lambda = c / f.
- Divide. lambda = 3.0 x 108 / 1.0 x 106 = 300 m.300
- Write the answer. 300 m
Check. ✓
Method. lambda = c / f.
- Divide. lambda = 3.0 x 108 / 2.45 x 109 = 0.122... m, which is 0.12 m.0.12
- Write the answer. 0.12 m
Check. ✓
Method. Shorter wavelength means higher frequency.
- Compare. The 1 cm wave is shorter, so it has the higher frequency.1 cm
- Write the answer. 1 cm
Check. ✓
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Order of the spectrum | Radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma (long to short wavelength) |
| Speed | All EM waves travel at 3.0 x 10^8 m/s in a vacuum |
| Uses and dangers | Each use depends on the wave; ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma are the most harmful |
| Greenhouse effect | Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit infrared, so less energy escapes |
| [H] Calculations | c = f lambda; lambda = c / f; f = c / lambda |
Can you…?
- I can order the seven types of EM wave
- I can match each type to its uses
- I can explain the dangers and how to reduce them
- I can explain the greenhouse effect using infrared
- [H] I can calculate wavelength and frequency using c = f lambda
Key terms
- electromagnetic wave
- a transverse wave that can travel through a vacuum, at the speed of light
- ionising radiation
- radiation that has enough energy to knock electrons out of atoms
- greenhouse effect
- the trapping of infrared by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
- ultraviolet
- an EM wave with a shorter wavelength than visible light, which can damage skin
- [H] speed of light (c)
- the speed of EM waves in a vacuum, 3.0 x 10^8 m/s
Exercise 19Z Check-up
Method. Recall.
- Recall. Radio waves have the longest wavelength.radio
- Write the answer. radio
Check. ✓
Method. Recall.
- Recall. Infrared lies between microwave and visible light.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Recall.
- Recall. EM waves travel at about 3 x 108 m/s in a vacuum.3 x 10^8
- Write the answer. 3 x 10^8 m/s
Check. ✓
Method. Recall.
- Recall. X-rays are used in medical imaging and security scanners.X-ray
- Write the answer. X-ray
Check. ✓
Method. Recall.
- Recall. Ultraviolet damages skin cells and can cause skin cancer.ultraviolet
- Write the answer. ultraviolet
Check. ✓
Method. Recall.
- Recall. Carbon dioxide absorbs infrared and comes from burning fossil fuels.carbon dioxide
- Write the answer. carbon dioxide
Check. ✓
Method. Recall.
- Recall. Thick lead absorbs gamma rays.lead
- Write the answer. lead
Check. ✓
Method. Recall.
- Recall. Remote controls use infrared.infrared
- Write the answer. infrared
Check. ✓
Method. Recall.
- Look. Think about what the question is asking.look
- Recall. Satellite communications use microwaves.microwave
- Write the answer. microwave
Check. ✓
Method. Think about the microwaves.
- Escape. Microwaves would escape and could heat tissue.escape
- Screen. The metal screen keeps them inside the oven.inside
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says microwaves would otherwise escape and heat people nearby.
Check. ✓
Total 28 marks. Allow about 28 minutes.
Exercise 19X Exam-style questions
Method. Use the order of the spectrum.
- Order. X-rays are the shortest of these; infrared is in the middle; radio is the longest.X-ray, infrared, radio
- Write the answer. X-ray, infrared, radio
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the two uses.
- a. Broadcasts use radio waves.radio
- b. Microwave ovens use microwaves.microwave
- Write the answer. radio, microwave
Check. ✓
Method. Compare the two waves.
- Gamma. Gamma rays are ionising and can damage cells and DNA.ionising
- Visible. Visible light does not have enough energy per photon to ionise atoms.not ionising
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that says gamma rays are ionising and damage cells and DNA, whereas visible light is not ionising.
Check. ✓
Method. Describe the process.
- Emit. The Earth gives out infrared radiation.infrared
- Absorb. Greenhouse gases absorb this infrared.absorb
- Re-emit. They re-emit it in all directions, so less energy escapes to space.re-emit
- Effect. So the Earth is warmer than it would otherwise be.warmer
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that says the Earth gives out infrared, greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit it, so less energy escapes and the Earth warms.
Check. ✓
Method. Use lambda = c / f.
- Divide. lambda = 3.0 x 108 / 2 x 106 = 1.5 x 102 m.1.5 x 10^2
- Write the answer. 1.5 x 10^2 m
Check. ✓
Method. Give the dangers and the protection.
- Danger 1. Ultraviolet causes sunburn and skin damage.sunburn
- Danger 2. Over time it can cause skin cancer.skin cancer
- Protect. Use sunscreen, shade or suitable clothing.sunscreen
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that gives skin damage or sunburn, and skin cancer, and names sunscreen, shade or clothing.
Check. ✓
Method. Think about absorption.
- Absorb. X-rays are absorbed more strongly by dense bone than by soft tissue.absorbed by bone
- Image. So bone casts a shadow on the detector, which shows bones clearly.shadow
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that says X-rays are absorbed more by bone than by soft tissue, so bone casts a shadow on the detector.
Check. ✓
Method. f = c / lambda.
- Divide. f = 3.0 x 108 / 0.12 = 2.5 x 109 Hz.2.5 x 10^9
- Write the answer. 2.5 x 10^9 Hz
Check. ✓
Method. Compare each feature.
- Wavelength. Radio has a longer wavelength than X-rays.longer
- Frequency. X-rays have a higher frequency than radio waves.higher
- Use radio. Radio is used for broadcasting.broadcasting
- Use X-ray. X-rays are used in medical imaging.medical imaging
- Write the answer. Accept any answer that gives radio as the longer wavelength and lower frequency, used for broadcasting, and X-rays as the shorter wavelength and higher frequency, used in medical imaging.
Check. ✓
Method. Recall the process.
- Recall. Losing an electron after absorbing high-energy radiation is ionisation.ionisation
- Write the answer. ionisation
Check. ✓