Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic Spectrum Electromagnetic Spectrum- Wide range of electromagnetic waves with different frequencies and wavelengths and divided into parts All waves travel at the same speed in empty space

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radio Waves Radio Waves- Lowest frequency of all electromagnetic waves and carry the least energy Ex: TV, AM/FM Antennas vibrate to send or receive radio waves Microwaves are used to heat food and transmit calls on cell phones Radar uses electromagnetic waves to detect objects like echolocation

Infrared Waves Infrared Waves- Electromagnetic waves that emit heat. Infrared detectors detect objects that are warmer and cooler than their surroundings Ex: Pit vipers use infrared to detect prey

Visible Light Visible Light- Electromagnetic waves that you can see with your eyes Different wavelengths have different colors Red light (longest wavelength) and blue light (shortest wavelength) Most objects don’t emit light; they reflect light

Ultraviolet Radiation Has higher frequency than visible light and even shorter wavelengths Carries more energy and can damage large molecules and kill cells Ex: Sunburn Benefits- Vitamin D is able to be produced and disinfect equipment to sterilize Ozone layer absorbs some of the UV rays

X Rays and Gamma Rays X rays have higher frequency than UV rays and can go through skin and muscle Gamma rays have highest frequency and carry the most energy Produced by changes in the nuclei of atoms X rays and gamma rays can damage and kill cells Gamma rays are used to kill cancer and bacteria