A star’s energy has to travel through __________ in order to arrive here on Earth. Space The energy that can travel through space is in the form of Electromagnetic Waves. This transfer of Electromagnetic Waves (Energy) from a star to the Earth’s atmosphere is termed ___________________. RADIATION

All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed – this is commonly referred to as the Speed of Light : 300,000,000 meters per second or 186,000 miles per second Nothing can travel faster….this is essentially the “cosmic speed limit”! These electromagnetic waves do have different wavelengths and different frequencies however. This helps categorize radiation into several main types. These are placed along what is called a spectrum.

Each of these color values has a wavelength that varies slightly. The portion of the spectrum that you, as a human, can see absorbed and reflected in the matter around you, is called visible light. Visible Light includes the colors of the rainbow (hopefully you are familiar with these by now!) Each of these color values has a wavelength that varies slightly. These waves come in at around 1,000,000,000,000,000 Hz Some animals on our planet can see beyond these frequencies. Simply put, they can see “colors” you can’t see! Interesting fact:

An infrared camera captures images according to heat, not light. Just before “red” on the Electromagnetic Spectrum, we find a radiation called Infrared. These are often thought of as “heat rays” because you can feel this form of radiation as warmth. The hotter an object is, the more Infrared Radiation it produces. An infrared camera captures images according to heat, not light. Your morning toast is brought to you by infrared radiation. Although you can’t see the rays, the toaster element gets hot enough to glow red.

Did You Know…….Many insects can see in Ultraviolet wavelengths. Just after the purple or violet on the spectrum we find Ultraviolet Radiation. These waves have higher frequencies than visible light, and because of this, also have more energy. Ultraviolet radiation has the ability to effect living cells – in small amounts, good effects. In large amounts – bad effects. In small amounts, UV can stimulate skin cells to produce vitamin D which is needed for healthy bones and teeth. Too much UV can lead to sun burns, eye damage, and even skin cancer! Did You Know…….Many insects can see in Ultraviolet wavelengths.

Each of these devices uses microwaves to carry out it’s function! Radio Waves are the electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies. As you know, radio waves are capable of carrying information for sounds and images. Some Radio Waves (with slightly shorter wavelengths) are utilized creatively in modern devices…… Radio waves called microwaves are put to work in a number of different ways: Each of these devices uses microwaves to carry out it’s function!

At the very end of the Electromagnetic Spectrum, representing the radiation with the very shortest wavelengths, are X-Rays and Gamma Rays. These wavelengths are so short and high-frequency that the waves are able to pass through the spaces in between the atoms of many materials! They can be very dangerous! X-Rays easily pass through our skin and tissue but cannot penetrate bones. This image demonstrates this fact. Gamma Ray Radiation has an even higher amount of energy and a shorter wavelength. A GRB (Gamma Ray Burst) seen from Earth but caused by a collision of a high mass star with a black hole 7 billion light years away.

Images of the our sun taken in : Ultraviolet Infrared Visible light

More images of our sun taken in: X-ray Radio waves

TASK: “Create your own diagram of the Electromagnetic Spectrum to show how different forms of radiation from the Sun (and elsewhere) compare” Grading / Requirements: ___________________________________________________ 5pts. Show the forms of radiation studied ,, correctly ordered in the spectrum 5pts. Include an accurate ordered visible light portion of the spectrum in color. 5pts. Properly label all parts (including a title!) 5pts. Include an appropriate amount of information covered in class (include characteristics, wavelength, frequency, energy, speed, examples, wave facts, etc..) 5pts. End product should be neat and organized 5pts. Work should reflect appropriate use of class time Total available points: 30