GCE O-Level Physics Syllabus
Chapter 14: Electromagnetic Spectrum
Chapter Topics:
Properties of electromagnetic waves
Applications of electromagnetic waves
Effects of electromagnetic waves on cells and tissue
Learning Objectives:
(a) State that all electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel with the same speed in vacuum and state the magnitude of this speed.
(b) Describe the main components of the electromagnetic spectrum.
(c) State examples of the use of the following components:
(i) radio waves (e.g. radio and television communication)
(ii) microwaves (e.g. microwave oven and satellite television)
(iii) infra-red (e.g. infra-red remote controllers and intruder alarms)
(iv) light (e.g. optical fibers for medical uses and telecommunications)
(v) ultra-violet (e.g. sunbeds and sterilization)
(vi) X-rays (e.g. radiological and engineering applications)
(vii) gamma rays (e.g. medical treatment)
(d) Describe the effects of absorbing electromagnetic waves, e.g. heating, ionization and damage to living cells and tissue.