The electromagnetic spectrum

It is the emission of energy from a source which can travel to an object which absorbs the radiation. Most objects that absorb radiation become a little warmer as the radiation affects the atoms the object is made of. If radiation passes through an object we say it is being transmitted through an object.

What happens when a wave travels through a medium or into a new medium

When light hits a surface and bounces off at the same angle

The transfer of energy from a wave to matter as the wave passes through it

When radiation is given out

An object that produces radiation

A line that shows that path taken by radiation

A way of describing and thinking about a scientific idea that helps us to understand it

It is a family of transverse waves that travel in a vacuum at 300 million m/s

Radio waves Microwaves Infrared radiation Visible Light Ultraviolet (UV) X-rays Gamma rays

Emitted from the nuclei of atoms It is ionising (can change the atoms inside our cells) Used for medical imaging, cancer treatment and sterilising medical equipment Can cause cancer

Emitted when electron in atoms lose energy It is ionising (can change the atoms inside our cells) Used for medical imaging for hospitals and airport security Can cause skin and tissue cancer

Emitted when electrons in atoms lose energy High energy frequencies are ionising Used to kill bacteria, causes fluorescence, tanning (sunbeds)

Emitted when electrons in atoms lose energy Light reflects off objects Used for seeing and communication Very bright light can damage eyes

Emitted from bonds between vibrating atoms Causes heating Used for heating, carrying signals in fibre optic cables, remotes Can cause burns

Emitted by electrons oscillating (moving back and forth) Causes heating at some frequencies Used for heating, communications (phones), GPS, radar, SKYTV Can cause heating at higher frequencies

Emitted by electrons oscillating (moving back and forth) in electrical circuits Causes signals to be transmitted back and forth Used for communications such as TV and Radio

Gamma rays. X-rays and ultraviolet can knock electrons off atoms and turn them into ions. Also, x-rays, ultraviolet and visible light can cause electrons in an atom to jump to a higher energy level. This energy was released when the electron jumps back to a lower level. Infrared radiation waves are absorbed by the bonds of molecules. they can also be re-emitted by the bonds of molecules. Microwaves cause molecules to move. Radio waves cause atoms in wires to move, creating an alternating current.