Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
The electromagnetic waveform is almost the same as the transverse waveform in general, but in this wave there is a charge of electrical and magnetic energy where the electric field (E) is always perpendicular to the magnetic field (B) both of which are heading in the direction of the wave as can be seen in the picture below this.
An electromagnetic waveform that carries a charge of electromagnetic energy without having a propagating medium.
Inferential, the nature/properties of electromagnetic waves as follows:
1. Does not require creeper
2. Includes transverse waves and has the same properties as transverse waves
3. Not carrying mass, but carrying energy
4. The energy brought is proportional to the large frequency of the wave
5. The electric field (E) is always perpendicular to the magnetic field (B) and in phase Have momentum
6. Divided into several types depending on their frequency (or wavelength)
The spectrum of Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves include light, radio waves, X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, and others. Electromagnetic waves differ only in wavelength and frequency. Refer to the table below to provide an overview of the types of the spectrum of electromagnetic waves that are normally associated with various frequency and wavelength intervals. These intervals are often undefined and sometimes overlapping. For example, electromagnetic waves of about 0.1 nm are usually called X rays, but if they are from nuclear radioactivity, they are called gamma rays.
The human eye is sensitive to radiation or electromagnetic waves of about 400 to 700 nm (nanometers), a term called visible light. Electromagnetic waves with a slightly less wavelength of visible light waves are called ultraviolet rays that generally come from the sun, and waves with wavelengths that are slightly longer than visible light waves are called infrared waves. There is no limit on electromagnetic wavelengths; in other words, all wavelengths (or frequencies) are theoretically possible.
Benefits of Electromagnetic Waves
Differences in the wavelengths of different types of electromagnetic waves are very important. As we know, wave behavior depends on the relative size of the wavelength. Due to the differences in wavelengths that cause differences in behavior of each wave type, electromagnetic waves are widely used for different purposes of use depending on the type of wave. In addition, wavelength and frequency are also important in determining the type of interaction between electromagnetic waves and matter.Here are the various benefits that come from different types of electromagnetic waves:
X-rays have very short wavelengths and high frequencies can easily penetrate many materials impenetrable by light waves with lower frequencies absorbed by the material. X-rays are used by doctors to see organs in the body such as bone to diagnose patients. Thanks to X-rays, doctors cannot see the organs in the patient's body without the need for surgery. In addition, X-rays are also used in the Airport to see the contents of the passenger bag/suitcase without having to open it so that the queue process can take place quickly.
Microwaves have wavelengths of several centimeters and frequencies close to the natural resonance frequencies of water molecules in solids and liquids. Thus microwaves can be easily absorbed by water molecules in the recording, which is a heating mechanism in a microwave toaster, for example, a microwave oven.
Infrared light can not be seen but can be detected above the red light spectrum that is usually used to move one form of energy that is not too large. Infrared rays are used in game consoles or various types of remote so users do not need cable media to transmit data in the form of energy.
Radio waves have a fairly large range. Radio waves are used to transmit signals for very long distances that infrared waves cannot reach, but the amount of transmitted energy is not as large as infrared waves can transmit. Radio waves are used by TV stations, Radio, and others to transmit communication signals. In addition, radio waves are used by radar to tell the position of objects above the earth's surface. Radio waves are also used for satellite imagery to earth to create 3-dimensional maps.
Problems example
1. Which wave has greater energy, gamma rays or X-rays?
2. What type of wave has a wavelength of a few meters order?
3. What electromagnetic wave has a period of 〖10〗^(-16) seconds?
Solution
1. The gamma rays have frequencies up to 〖10〗^22, whereas the X rays have a frequency of 〖10〗^20. Since the energy carried is proportional to the frequency of a wave (E = h.f), the gamma rays have a greater energy than X-rays. gamma is very harmful to living things because it can damage the object it passes.
2. Types of waves that have wavelengths in the order of several meters are TV waves and FM radio waves. These two waves are included as short radio waves.
T = 〖10〗^(-12)seconds
f = 1/T=1/〖10〗^(-12) =〖10〗^12
Electromagnetic waves that have a frequency of 〖10〗^12 Hz is ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is harmful to living things, especially to humans and is considered the leading cause of skin cancer.