Electromagnetic waves are one of the two main types of waves. Inside the category of electromagnetic waves, there are smaller categories. These have different wavelengths and frequencies, but all have the same speed [speed=wavelength*frequencies or s=f(wL)]. The electromagnetic spectrum is as follows: (in order of shortest wavelengths to longest, also lowest frequencies to highest) radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet waves (UV rays), x-rays, and gamma rays.
Three Interesting Facts: Gamma rays are the most penetrating of all rays. This is because they have the highest frequencies. Also, the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum we can see is the visible light section, which is actually quite small as you can see in the picture above. Lastly, UV rays helps your body make vitamin D to help make your bones stronger. However, it is also bad if you have too much because it can cause cancer.
Two Facts From Other Sources: Some animals can see UV rays. One of these animals is the bee. Bees use UV vision to collect pollen from flowers. UV vision helps several other animals as well. Also, light waves and microwaves essentially travel in straight lines.
Opinion: I think electromagnetic waves are very fascinating. They can be both helpful and harmful. Who would of thought that waves had such a big role in the modern community? I certainly did not. If I had gotten a chance to restudy this I would. That is because this was exciting to learn about. This was a great section. Electromagnetic waves are truly fascinating!
Citation:
Fact One From Other Source: Estes, Paulla. "What are UV Rays?" WiseGEEK. 2003. 22 Jan. 2009 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-uv-rays.htm.
Fact Two From Other Source: The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment