Electromagnetic Spectrum

Identify and explain how different parts of the electromagnetic

spectrum are used

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Here are the different types of radiation in the EM spectrum, in order from lowest energy to highest:

Radio waves

• have the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum.

• These waves carry the news, ball games, and music you listen to on the radio.

• They also carry signals to television sets and cellular phones.

Microwaves

• Have shorter wavelengths than radio waves, which heat the food we eat.

• They are also used for radar images, like the Doppler radar used in weather forecasts.

infrared waves

• with long wavelengths and short wavelengths.

• Infrared waves with long wavelengths can be detected as heat. – Heat Lamps give off these

long infrared waves. – We call these thermal

infrared or far infrared waves.

• The sun gives off infrared waves with shorter wavelengths.

Visible light waves

• are the only electromagnetic waves we can see.

• We see these waves as the colors of the rainbow.

• Each color has a different wavelength.

• Red has the longest wavelength and violet has the shortest wavelength.

• These waves combine to make white light.

Ultraviolet waves

• have wavelengths shorter than visible light waves.

• These waves are invisible to the human eye, but some insects can see them.

• Of the sun's light, the ultraviolet waves are responsible for causing our sunburns.

X-Rays:

• As wavelengths get smaller, the waves have more energy.

• X-Rays have smaller wavelengths and therefore more energy than the ultraviolet waves.

• X-Rays are so powerful that they pass easily through the skin allowing doctors to look at our bones.

Gamma Rays

• have the smallest wavelength and the most energy of the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.

• These waves are generated by radioactive atoms and in nuclear explosions.

• Gamma rays can kill living cells, but doctors can use gamma rays to kill diseased cells.

Cosmic Rays• are high energy charged

particles, originating in outer space, that travel at nearly the speed of light and strike the Earth from all directions.

• Aurora Borealis: Northern Lights Auroras are associated with the solar wind, a flow of ions continuously flowing outward from the Sun.

#1Definition and Picture

• Define your part of the electromagnetic spectrum in your own words.

• Draw a picture or illustration that best matches your word in the middle

#2 Wavelength and Frequency

#3 Describe 3 Uses

• Describe the ways we use this part of the electromagnetic spectrum in our lives

#4 Draw the 3 uses

• Draw the 3 ways we use the electromagnetic spectrum in our lives

• Identify the most recognizable uses for us to remember.

Electromagnetic Project #1

• Explain to students that groups must work together to research the following information about their form of radiation:

1. What are the characteristics of this type of radiation (wavelength, frequency, key facts)?

Electromagnetic Project #2

2. Where is this type of radiation located on the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to other kinds of radiation? What properties of the wave define why it is found within this area of the spectrum?

Electromagnetic Project #3

3. How is it used or found in our everyday lives or in certain industries?

– Identify and explain at least three uses.

Electromagnetic Project #4

4. How is it used to explore outer space.

• Give at least 3 examples of where and how it explores other planets, stars, galaxies, or worlds.