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Understanding the Electromagnetic Spectrum

The document provides guidance on taking notes about the electromagnetic spectrum. It begins by reminding the reader that they have previously learned about microwaves, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation. It emphasizes the importance of having a thorough knowledge of the complete electromagnetic spectrum. The document then provides tips for effective note-taking, suggesting notes should be brief, focused, clearly presented, accurate, and self-contained. It outlines the key elements to include in notes about the electromagnetic spectrum, such as the frequency, wavelength, and photon energy of each type of radiation, their sources and uses, and how different types of radiation interact with matter. Examination questions are likely to focus on how these interactions relate to various applications of electromagnetic radiation.

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Cyrup Fong
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7 views1 page

Understanding the Electromagnetic Spectrum

The document provides guidance on taking notes about the electromagnetic spectrum. It begins by reminding the reader that they have previously learned about microwaves, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation. It emphasizes the importance of having a thorough knowledge of the complete electromagnetic spectrum. The document then provides tips for effective note-taking, suggesting notes should be brief, focused, clearly presented, accurate, and self-contained. It outlines the key elements to include in notes about the electromagnetic spectrum, such as the frequency, wavelength, and photon energy of each type of radiation, their sources and uses, and how different types of radiation interact with matter. Examination questions are likely to focus on how these interactions relate to various applications of electromagnetic radiation.

Uploaded by

Cyrup Fong
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

1 emnotes

Notes on the Electromagnetic Spectrum

You have previously encountered the electromagnetic spectrum when studying unit P2. At that
time we paid particular attention to microwaves (ovens and telephones), infra-red radiation (the
Greenhouse Effect) and ultra-violet radiation (the ozone layer and skin cancer). It is now the
time to make sure that you have a thorough knowledge of the complete spectrum. Sections G
and H in P6 deal with this. You may also find the diagram on page 161 useful.

In general, notes should be:

• Brief and to the point. You should isolate the essential points from what you read and
record only these.

• Focused. You aren’t necessarily trying to summarize the textbook. Have a clear picture
of what you are trying to achieve with the notes and write accordingly.

• Clearly and appropriately presented. The notes need to make sense to you in the future.
Their exact style is up to you—some people prefer lists, other prefer mindmaps. Choose
an appropriate style and stick to it.

• Accurate.

• Self-contained. Your notes should make sense to someone reading them without refer-
ence to the book.

In this particular case, your notes should refer to:

• The (relative) frequency, wavelength, and photon energy of each type of radiation.

• Sources of each type of radiation—natural and artificial.

• The uses for each type of radiation, and what makes the radiation suitable for these
uses.

• How the different types of radiation are absorbed/transmitted/reflected by different


types of matter, and how this relates to the ways in which each is used.

Examination questions are likely to concentrate on this latter point. Instead of asking “What
sort of radiation do mobile phones use?” you are likely to be asked “Why do the transmitters
on mobile phone masts need to be high up?”.

927 21/1/2009

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