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Electromagnetic
ELECTROMAGNETI
Waves and
C DISCOVERY its
Behavior
PHYSICS SCIENCE 10
RADIOWAVES
Heinrich Hertz
1880'S OSCILLATOR
He conducted experiments that confirmed
the existence of electromagnetic waves,
which he generated using an oscillator and
detected with a spark gap. His work laid the
foundation for the development of wireless
communication technologies.
Hertz's experiments demonstrated that these
waves could travel through space, paving the
way for the future of radio and
telecommunications.
PHYSICS SCIENCE 10
MICROWAVES
James Clerk Maxwell
THEORETICAL
1860'S
WORK
Microwaves were first produced and studied
by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860s through
his theoretical work on electromagnetic
waves. However, it was Heinrich Hertz who
experimentally confirmed their existence in
the 1880s.
The practical application of microwaves came
later, particularly with the work of Karl
Ferdinand Braun and others in the early 20th
century, who developed technologies that
could generate and use microwaves for
communication.
PHYSICS SCIENCE 10
INFRARED RAYS
William Herschel
1800 SUNLIGHT & PRISM
While experimenting with sunlight and a
prism, he noticed that the temperature
increased beyond the visible red light
spectrum. This led him to conclude that
there were rays beyond red light that were
not visible to the human eye but could be
detected by their heat.
Herschel's work laid the groundwork for the
study of infrared radiation, which has since
been applied in various fields, including
astronomy, thermal imaging, and
communications.
PHYSICS SCIENCE 10
VISIBLE LIGHT
Isaac Newton
17TH CENTURY ROYGBIV
Newton conducted experiments using prisms
to demonstrate that white light is composed
of a spectrum of colors—red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, indigo, and violet (often
remembered by the acronym ROYGBIV).
He showed that when white light passes
through a prism, it bends at different angles,
spreading into its constituent colors. The study
of visible light has had a profound impact on
science, art, and technology.
PHYSICS SCIENCE 10
ULTRAVIOLET RAYS
Johann Wilhelm
Ritter
CHEMICAL
1801 REACTION
While experimenting with sunlight and silver
chloride, he noticed that the chemical
reaction occurred more rapidly just beyond
the visible violet light spectrum. This led him
to conclude that there were rays present that
were invisible to the human eye and capable
of causing chemical changes.
which are now known to have various applications, including
in sterilization, fluorescence, and photography. Further
research on ultraviolet radiation has revealed its effects on
living organisms, including its role in vitamin D synthesis in
humans and its potential harmful effects, such as skin
damage and increased risk of skin cancer.
PHYSICS SCIENCE 10
X-RAYS
Wilhelm Conrad
Röntgen
1895 CATHODE RAYS
While experimenting with cathode rays, Röntgen noticed
that a fluorescent screen in his lab began to glow even
though it was not in the direct path of the cathode rays.
Curious about this phenomenon, he conducted further
experiments and found that these rays could pass through
various materials, including human tissue, but were
absorbed by denser substances like bone.
Röntgen's discovery of X-rays revolutionized medical imaging
and diagnostics, allowing doctors to see inside the human
body without surgery. Today, X-rays are widely used in
medicine, industry, and research, playing a crucial role in
diagnosing conditions and inspecting materials.
PHYSICS SCIENCE 10
GAMMA RAYS
Paul Villard
1900 RADIUM
While he was studying radiation emitted from radium.
Villard identified a type of radiation that was more
penetrating than alpha and beta particles, which were
known at the time. He initially referred to these rays as
"gamma rays" to distinguish them from the other types of
radiation.
Later research revealed that gamma rays are a form of
electromagnetic radiation, similar to X-rays but with higher
energy and shorter wavelengths. They are produced in
nuclear reactions, radioactive decay, and certain
astronomical processes.
Create your own spectroscope using a CD as a
diffraction grating and a cardboard tube. Then observe
the different light sources and analyze the spectra
produced.
Materials :
• CD or DVD
• Cardboard Tube
• Flashlight