Applications of EM Waves (Edexcel IGCSE Physics)
Revision Note
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Applications of EM waves
Each region of the electromagnetic spectrum has a variety of uses and applications
Uses of EM waves
Wave Type | Uses |
---|---|
Radio | Broadcasting and communications |
Microwaves | Cooking and satellite transmissions |
Infrared | Heaters and night vision equipment |
Visible light | Optical fibres and photography |
Ultraviolet | Fluorescent lamps |
X-rays | Observing the internal structure of objects and materials, including medical applications |
Gamma rays | Sterilising food and medical equipment |
Radio waves & microwaves
Both radio waves and microwaves are used in wireless communication
This includes:
Radios
Air traffic communication
Mobile phone communication
At very high intensities microwaves are used to heat things in a microwave oven
Infrared
Infrared is emitted by warm objects and can be detected using special cameras (thermal imaging cameras).
Examples of the uses of infrared are:
Security cameras to see people in the dark
TV remote controls
Transport signals down fibre optic cables
Visible
Visible light is the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can see
It is also used in fibre optic communication
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet is responsible for giving you a sun tan, which is your body’s way of protecting itself against the ultraviolet
When certain substances are exposed to ultraviolet, they absorb it and re-emit it as visible light (making them glow)
This process is known as fluorescence
Fluorescence can be used to secretly mark things in special ink, such as banknotes
X-rays
The most obvious use of x-rays is in medicine
X-rays can pass through most body tissues but are absorbed by the denser parts of the body, such as bones
Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are dangerous and can be used to kill cells and living tissue
Gamma rays can also be used to sterilise equipment by killing off the bacteria
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Common questions in your exam require you to discuss the uses and applications of EM radiation. Learn the uses listed in the table for each radiation type.
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