Waves

Waves

1. Mechanical Waves

   • Need a medium to travel
   • They don't travel in a vacuum
   • Considered a periodic disturbance

2. Electromagnetical Waves

   • Travel in a vacuum
   • Just a disturbance
   • No medium needed to travel
   • Electromagnetic wave structure: these waves transfer energy and are created by vibrating charged particles.
     • The range of electromagnetic waves: the following types of electromagnetic waves are arranged from longest wavelength to shortest
       • Radio Waves: These waves have the longest wavelength, and the lowest frequency, also they have the least energy which is associated with the frequency. The radio, detects radio waves and converts that signal into what a speaker turns into sound.
         • Microwaves: Microwaves have the shorter wavelength and greater frequency and energy than radio waves. The microwave, uses energy in microwaves to vibrate food molecules, heating them up.
           • Infrared Waves (IR): These waves have the next shortest wavelength after microwave, and greater frequency and energy. Infrared waves are commonly used in devices like remote controls to transmit a signal in the IR range.
             • Visible Light Waves: These waves have the next shortest wavelength after Infrared waves and a greater frequency and energy.
               • Ultraviolet Waves (UV): UV waves have the next shortest wavelength after visible light and a higher frequency and energy. The more energy these waves have, the more dangerous they become, because they can penetrate further through surfaces including skin.
                 • X-Ray Waves: X-ray waves have the next shortest wavelength after visible light and higher frequency and energy. X-rays have additional penetrating power and are more dangerous.
                   • Gamma Ray Waves: These waves have the shortest wavelength and highest frequency and highest energy. gamma rays are mostly produced in nuclear reactions, such as, fusion, fission, alpha decay, and gamma decay. Gamma rays are the most penetrating due to the excessive frequency and energy.