Applications of EM Waves Flashcards

All 9 cards in this deck

Give two uses of radio waves.

Broadcasting (TV and radio) and communications/satellite transmissions.

Give two uses of microwaves.

Cooking, and communications/satellite transmissions.

Give two uses of infrared radiation.

Cooking and thermal imaging. (Also optical fibres, TV remote controls, security systems, short-range communication.)

Give two uses of ultraviolet radiation.

Security marking and detecting forged banknotes. (Also fluorescent lamps and disinfecting water.)

Give two uses of X-rays.

Medical X-rays to observe internal structure, and airport security scanners.

Give two uses of gamma rays.

Sterilising food and medical equipment, and detecting and treating cancer.

Give two uses of visible light.

Vision and photography. (Also illumination.)

Why are microwaves used to communicate with satellites?

The microwave wavelengths chosen are absorbed very little by the atmosphere, so they travel through cloud and water vapour to and from the satellite.

Why do bones show up clearly on an X-ray image?

Bone absorbs X-rays strongly, while soft tissue lets most of them through, so bone casts a clear shadow on the detector.