Properties and Uses of Electromagnetic Waves

Radio Waves

RADIO WAVES are used in wireless communication such as TV and Radio. Here’s how they work:

• RADIO WAVES are created using an ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) in a circuit connected to an antenna.
• The AC causes ELECTRONS to OSCILLATE, which then generates radio waves with the same FREQUENCY as the AC.

Microwaves:

• Ideal for SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS because they can penetrate the Earth's atmosphere with little interference.

• In COOKING, microwaves excite water molecules in food, heating it quickly and efficiently.

Infrared:

• ELECTRICAL HEATERS utilise infrared as it directly warms objects and people rather than the air around them.
• Infrared is also used in cooking for its heating properties and in INFRARED CAMERAS to detect heat, which is useful in night-vision devices.

Visible Light:

• This is used in FIBRE OPTIC COMMUNICATIONS. Visible light can carry large amounts of data over long distances with very little loss of signal.

Ultraviolet:

• Employed in ENERGY-EFFICIENT LAMPS where UV light is converted into visible light.
• Used in TANNING BEDS.

X-rays and Gamma Rays:

• Critical in MEDICAL IMAGING, such as X-ray radiography, to view the internal structure of the body.
• GAMMA RAYS are used in cancer treatment to target and destroy cancer cells.