Electromagnetic Waves - SS2 Physics Past Questions and Answers - page 1

The wavelength and energy of electromagnetic waves are inversely proportional. This relationship is known as the wave-particle duality of light. According to the equation E = hc/λ, where E represents the energy, h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength, as the wavelength increases, the energy decreases, and vice versa. For example, gamma rays have very short wavelengths and carry a high amount of energy, while radio waves have longer wavelengths and lower energy.

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of several regions, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each region has unique properties and applications. Radio waves are used for communication and broadcasting. Microwaves are utilised in cooking, radar systems, and satellite communications.

Infrared radiation is used in night vision devices, remote controls, and thermal imaging. Visible light is the range of wavelengths our eyes can detect and is responsible for vision. Ultraviolet radiation has applications in sterilisation, fluorescence, and tanning beds. X-rays are used in medical imaging, security screening, and material analysis. Gamma rays have applications in cancer treatment and nuclear medicine.