ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

When an electric field combines with an magnetic field, it forms an electromagnetic wave. Also, an electromagnetic wave does

not need a medium to pass through.

Wave Types

There are 7 different types of electromagnetic waves.

Radio Waves Microwaves Infra Red Waves Visible Light Rays Ultra Violet Waves X-ray Waves Gamma Rays

Radio Waves

Radio waves are mainly used for communications and in the electromagnetic spectrum they have the lowest frequencies.

Ex - An old FM/AM radio. Ex – An antennae from a Television. Pictures -

Microwaves

Microwaves makes substances hot by causing water and fat molecules to vibrate.

Ex – A microwave Ex – Mobile phones Pictures -

Infra Red Waves

Infra red waves give off by heat. Ex – Lamps Ex – Security lights Pictures -

Visible Light Rays

Visible light rays is anything hot enough to glow.

Ex - Light bulb Ex - Cinema Projectors Pictures -

Ultra Violet Waves

Ultra Violet waves are from special lamps. Ex - Tanning bed Ex - UV lamps Pictures -

X-ray Waves

X-ray waves pass through most substances.

Ex – Stars Ex – X-ray machines Pictures -

Gamma Rays

Gamma rays carry large amounts of energy and are used to kill of cancer.

Ex – Radio therapy Ex – Scintigram Pictures -

Mechanical Wave

Mechanical waves needs a medium to pass through.

Ex – A flag waving in the air is a mechanical wave because the air passes through the flag.

Ex – A pond making waves after a rock has been thrown in has mechanical waves because the waves pass through water.

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