Electromagnetic Spectrum

Question	Answer
Electromagnetic spectrum:	Image: electromagnetic (image/jpg)
Radiowaves	Radiowaves have the lowest frequency and the longest wavelengths in the spectrum. They are used to transmit television and radio programmes.
Microwaves:	Microwaves are used in microwave ovens and to transmit signals such as mobile phone calls.Water absorbs the microwaves causing the food to heat up. They are also used to transmit to and from satellites in orbit.
Infrared:	Infrared radiation can be absorbed by skin, which we feel as heat. It is used toasters, grills, TV remotes and in optical fibre communications.
UV (Ultraviolet):	UV rays are found naturally in sunlight. We can not see or feel UV rays, though it causes are skin to get darker. Skin gets darker in order to prevent the UV rays from reaching deeper skin tissue. This is important as UV light can cause cells to become cancerous.
X-rays:	X-rays can pass through skin, but they do not easily pass through bone and metal.
Gamma radiation:	Gamma waves have a very high frequency. Like x-rays and UV they cannot be seen or felt. It is used to sterilise surgical equipment and kill cancer cells. In lower doses, gamma can cause cells to become cancerous.

Resource summary

	Created by Bradley Sansom over 10 years ago