The Electromagnetic Spectrum

3.13 Effects of exposure to electromagnetic waves

Exposure to different waves can lead to..

- Microwaves: Causes heating of interna body tissue

- Infa- Red: Leads to the burning of skin

- Ultraviolet: Damage to surface cells and blindness

- Gamma Rays: Can cause cancer and cell mutation

3.12 - Uses of Electromagnetic Radiation

- Radio Waves: Mobile Phones and broadcasting

- Microwaves: Cooking (microwaves heats up water inside the food) and satellite transmissions

- Infrared: Heaters, night vision equipment and surveillance

- Visible Light: Used for seeing, photography and optical fibres

- Ultraviolet: Fluorescent Lamps

- X- Rays: Used for medical purposes like observing the internal structure of objects and materials

- Gamma Rays: Sterilising food and medical equipment