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Electromagnetic spectrum
Identify the primary sections of the electromagnetic spectrum arranged by frequency and wavelength.
10
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100
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70
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90 min
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Electromagnetic spectrum outcomes10 objectives
- Identify the primary sections of the electromagnetic spectrum arranged by frequency and wavelength.
- Recognize that all electromagnetic waves move at the same high speed when in a vacuum.
- Explain common applications of various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as: (a) radio waves for broadcasting and RFID, (b) microwaves for satellite TV and mobile phones, (c) infrared for remote controls and thermal imaging, (d) visible light for vision and photography, (e) ultraviolet for security and sterilization, (f) X-rays for medical imaging, and (g) gamma rays for sterilization and cancer detection.
- Discuss the negative effects of excessive exposure to electromagnetic radiation on humans, including: (a) microwaves causing internal heating, (b) infrared leading to skin burns, (c) ultraviolet resulting in skin and eye damage, and (d) X-rays and gamma rays causing cell mutations or damage.
- Understand that communication with artificial satellites primarily utilizes microwaves, including the use of low orbit and geostationary satellites for satellite phones and television.
- Recognize that the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is approximately 3.0 x 10^8 m/s, which is nearly the same in air.
- Acknowledge that many communication systems depend on electromagnetic radiation, such as: (a) mobile phones and wireless internet using microwaves, (b) Bluetooth utilizing radio waves, and (c) optical fibers for cable TV and broadband using visible light or infrared.
- Differentiate between digital and analogue signals.
- Recognize that sound can be transmitted as either a digital or analogue signal.
- Discuss the advantages of digital signaling, including faster data transmission rates and improved range due to precise signal regeneration.
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