Waves & The Electromagnetic Spectrum
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6.14.5 Understand the nature of light, including the electromagnetic spectrum.
* Describe the electromagnetic spectrum.
6.14.spi.2 identify the wavelength, frequency, and amplitude of a wave.
The electromagnetic spectrum is the name for the range of electromagnetic waves. I know this sounds complicated, but you are probably already familiar with many electromagnetic waves. For example, how many of you listened to the radio today or watched television? If you did, then you used one of the six general electromagnetic waves... the radio wave. If you have ever seen your shirt glow while skating or bowling from a black light that is another electromagnetic wave, ultraviolet light. Other electromagnetic waves include infrared wave, visible light, x-rays, and gamma rays. Can you identify any of the uses of these waves?
Property #1: All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.
Property #2: All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed, but have different wavelengths and frequencies.
Property #3: As the wavelength increases with an electromagnetic wave, the frequency decreases. As the wavelength decreases the frequency increases.
Property #4: The higher the frequency of a wave, the more energy it has.
Radio Waves: These waves are used to broadcast radio and television signals. They have the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies.
Infrared Waves: Infrared energy is given off as heat, and is commonly used to keep food warm like the french fries at McDonalds. They also have long wavelengths and low frequencies.
Visible Light: Visible light is the one electromagnetic wave that we can see and is displayed in colors like red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Visible light has a medium wavelength and medium frequency.
Ultraviolet Light: Your skin absorbs ultraviolet light to create vitamin D, but too much can give you a sunburn. Blacklights emit ultraviolet light and will make your shirt appear to glow. Ultraviolet light has a medium wavelength and medium frequency.
X-rays: X-rays are used by doctors to take pictures of your bones. They have a short wavelength and high frequency.
Gamma Rays: Gamma rays are probably the least known electromagnetic spectrum. They are used by doctors to help discover cancer in individuals. The have the shortest wavelength and highest frequency.
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Notes: Each student is required to have a composition book for their notes in order to receive a grade. Also, notes must be copied the exact same as they are given in class, and must be written neatly.
Due: 18Spetmeber Grade: 100 points
Experiment: Students will choose one of several experiments to complete. They will be graded on how well they follow the directions, and on the writing assignment at the end of the experiment.
Due: CANCELED Grade: 100 points
Test: This test is a TCAP style multiple-choice test. It covers the previous standard, waves, and all the information for electromagnetic waves. This will probably be the toughest test we take, so study hard!
Date: 30September Grade: 200 points
Blog Entry: Students will complete an entry on their blog concerning the electromagnetic spectrum. Students will need to address the two following requirements. First, define the electromagnetic spectrum and state its properties. Second, discuss the use of two electromagnetic waves and their wavelength and frequency. Grammar and spelling counts.
Due: 26September Grade: 100 points
Students may earn extra credit by completing a podcast or vodcast. Details of the extra credit will be given when a student requests the extra credit. In general, students will most likely record themselves doing an experiment or giving an oral report on the electromagnetic spectrum. They may complete these during class if they have completed all other assignments satisfactorily, or they may take time after school if they have parental permission and have set-up a time with me.