CHAPTER 11

Electromagnetic Waves
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Audio Assessment

Review Concepts in Motion

? Inquiry g Multilingual eGlossary

Launch Lab
Electromagnetic Waves and Matter
You often hear about the danger of the Sun’s ultraviolet rays,
which can damage the cells of your skin. When the exposure is
not too great, your cells repair themselves. But too much at
one time causes a painful sunburn. Exposure to the Sun can
also cause skin cancer. In this lab, observe how energy carried
by ultraviolet waves causes changes in other materials.

For a lab worksheet, use your StudentWorks™ Plus Online.

? Inquiry Launch Lab
Make a two-tab book. How do
electromagneti
Label it as shown. Use waves travel
c
through space?
it to organize your notes
on electromagnetic How do
electromagneti
c
waves. waves transfer
energy to
matter?

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 Optical Infrared Ultraviolet

Composite

THEME FOCUS Technology Section 1 • What are

Many modern devices operate by using electromagnetic
electromagnetic waves. waves?

Section 2 • The Electromagnetic

BIG Idea Electromagnetic waves transfer energy Spectrum
through matter and through space.

Section 3 • Radio Communication

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 SC.912.P.12.7: Recognize that nothing travels faster than the speed of light in vacuum which is the
same for all observers no matter how they or the light source are moving. SC.912.P.10.1: Differentiate
Section 1 among the various forms of energy and recognize that they can be transformed from one form to others.
ALSO COVERS: SC.912.P.10.18, MA.912.S.1.2

Reading Preview What are electromagnetic

Essential Questions waves?
◗ How does a vibrating electric MAIN Idea Vibrating electric charges produce electromagnetic
charge produce an waves.
electromagnetic wave?
Real-World Reading Link No matter where you are, you are
◗ What properties describe
surrounded by electromagnetic waves. They enable you to see, and they
electromagnetic waves?
make your skin feel warm. They carry cell phone, radio, and television
◗ How do electromagnetic waves
signals, and they allow popcorn to be prepared in a microwave oven.
transfer energy?

Review Vocabulary Waves in Matter

magnetic field: surrounds a
magnet and exerts a force on
Waves are produced by something that vibrates, and they
magnetic materials carry energy from one place to another. Look at the water wave
and the sound wave in Figure 1. Both waves are moving through
New Vocabulary matter. The water wave is moving through water, and the sound
electromagnetic wave wave is moving through air. These waves travel because energy is
photon transferred from particle to particle. Without matter to transfer
g Multilingual eGlossary the energy, these waves cannot move. However, there is another
type of wave that does not require matter to transfer energy.
Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves are made by vibrating electric charges.
Electromagnetic waves are composed of changing electric fields
and magnetic fields. Instead of transferring energy from particle
to particle, electromagnetic waves travel by transferring energy
between the electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic waves
do not require matter to travel because electric fields and mag-
■ Figure 1 Some waves, such as netic fields can exist where matter is not present.
water waves and sound waves, require
matter to move. As the wave travels
Reading Check Identify what produces an electromagnetic wave.
through the matter, energy is trans-
ferred from one particle to the next.

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 Electric field lines

Wire

Moving electrons
Magnetic field lines

■ Figure 2 All moving electric charges, such as the

Electric and magnetic fields Recall that electrons in this wire, are surrounded by an electric
field and a magnetic field.
electric charges are surrounded by electric fields
and that magnets are surrounded by magnetic
fields. These fields exert a force even when the
charge or magnet is not in contact with an object.
Fields exist around an electric charge or a magnet
even in a vacuum. A vacuum is a volume of space VOCABULARY
SCIENCE USAGE V. COMMON USAGE
that contains little or no matter. Vacuum
You might also recall that a moving electric Science usage
charge, such as the current in the wire shown in a volume where there is no or very little matter
Figure 2, is surrounded by a magnetic field. Light from distant stars travels to Earth through the
vacuum of space.
Similarly, a moving magnet is surrounded by an
electric field. A changing electric field creates a Common usage
a household appliance that uses suction to clean car-
magnetic field, and a changing magnetic field pets and upholstery
creates an electric field. The carpet has become very dirty since our vacuum
cleaner broke.
Making electromagnetic waves When
an electric charge vibrates, the electric field
around it changes. Because the electric charge is
in motion, it also has a magnetic field around it.
This magnetic field also changes as the charge
vibrates. As a result, the vibrating electric charge
is surrounded by a changing electric field and a FOLDABLES
changing magnetic field. Incorporate information
How do the vibrating electric field and mag- from this section into
netic field around the charge become a wave that your Foldable.
travels through space? The changing electric field
around the charge creates a changing magnetic
field. This changing magnetic field then creates a
changing electric field. This process continues,
with the magnetic field and electric field continu-
ally creating each other.

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 ■ Figure 3 A vibrating electric
charge creates an electromagnetic Wavele
wave. The wave travels outward in all n gth
directions from the charge. Here, the Electric field
wave is shown in only one direction.
State whether an electromagnetic Electron Magnetic field
wave is a transverse wave or a
longitudinal wave.

Direction
of travel

Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

The vibrating electric and magnetic fields of an electromag-
netic wave are perpendicular to each other. That is, they are at
right angles (90°) to each other. They travel outward from the
moving charge, as shown in Figure 3. Because the electric and
magnetic fields vibrate at right angles to the direction the wave
travels, an electromagnetic wave is a transverse wave.
Speed In a vacuum, all electromagnetic waves travel at
300,000 km/s. Because light is a type of electromagnetic wave,
the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is usually
called the “speed of light.” The speed of light is nature’s speed
limit—nothing travels faster than the speed of light. The speed
of an electromagnetic wave in matter depends on the material
Concepts in Motion
through which the wave travels. However, it is always slower
Interactive Table than the speed of light in a vacuum. In matter, electromagnetic
■ Figure 4 Electromagnetic waves
waves are usually the slowest in solids and faster in gases.
travel slower in glass than in air. This
difference in speed leads to refraction Table 1 in Figure 4 lists the speed of electromagnetic waves in a
when the wave passes from air into vacuum and several common materials. Figure 4 illustrates that
glass. light travels slower and refracts when it enters glass.

Speed of
Table 1 Electromagnetic
Waves
Material Speed (km/s)
None
300,000
(Vacuum)
Air 299,000
Water 226,000
Glass 200,000
Diamond 124,000

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 Apply Science SC.912.P.12.7: Recognize that nothing travels faster than the speed of light in vacuum
which is the same for all observers no matter how they or the light source are moving.

How do scientists work with

Speed of Light in Various Materials
large numbers?
Speed (m/s) in
The speed of light in a vacuum is 300,000,000 m/s.
Material Speed (m/s) Scientific
That is a lot of zeros to keep track of when doing a Notation
calculation! To make large numbers easier to work
with, scientists use a system called scientific notation. None (Vacuum) 300,000,000 3 × 108
A number written in scientific notation has the form Air 299,000,000
M × 10N. N is the number of places the decimal point
in the number has to be moved so that the number M Water 226,000,000
that results has only one digit to the left of the Glass 200,000,000
decimal point.
Diamond 124,000,000
For example, the speed of light in a vacuum is
300,000,000 m/s = 3.00000000 × 108 m/s. We moved
the decimal 8 spaces to the left, so N = 8 and Solve the Problem
M = 3.00000000. In this case, the zeros are just place
holders, so we can drop them and write the speed of 1. Copy the table, and write each speed in scientific
light in a vacuum as 3 × 108 m/s. notation.
Very small numbers can also be written in scientific 2. Would it be helpful to write your mass (about 50 kg)
notation. For example, 0.00000045 = 4.5 × 10−7. The in scientific notation? Explain.
minus sign in the exponent indicates that the decimal 3. Write the following measurements in scientific
was moved to the right instead of to the left. notation:
Identify the Problem a) 0.00005291 s
b) 0.000000246 m
In order to make calculations neat and efficient, place c) 0.030042 kg
the values for the speed of light in different materials
into scientific notation.

Frequency and wavelength Like all waves, electro-

magnetic waves can be described by their wavelengths and
frequencies. The wavelength of an electromagnetic wave is the
distance from one crest to another, as shown in Figure 3. The
frequency is the number of wavelengths that pass a point in one
second. The units for frequency are hertz. The frequency of an
electromagnetic wave equals the frequency of the vibrating
charge that produces the wave. This frequency is the number of
vibrations of the charge in one second. Electromagnetic waves
follow the wave speed equation, v = f λ. As the frequency (f)
increases, the wavelength (λ) becomes smaller.
Matter and Electromagnetic Waves
All matter contains charged particles that are always in
motion. As a result, all objects emit electromagnetic waves.
Objects can emit electromagnetic waves at many wavelengths.
However, the dominant wavelength emitted becomes shorter as
the temperature of the material increases.

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 ■ Figure 5 As an electromagnetic
wave from the Sun strikes asphalt,
charged particles in the asphalt gain
energy from the vibrating electric and Electromagnetic wave
magnetic fields. This transfer of energy
is why asphalt gets hot on sunny, sum-
mer days.

Surface of asphalt

SC.912.P.10.18: Explore the theory of electromag- Nucleus

netism by comparing and contrasting the different Electrons
parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of
wavelength, frequency, and energy, and relate them
to phenomena and applications.

Electromagnetic waves interact with matter

? Inquiry MiniLab As an electromagnetic wave moves, it encounters objects. The
Investigate vibrating electric and magnetic fields of the wave exert forces
Electromagnetic on the charged particles and magnetic materials that make up
Waves the object. This interaction causes the particles in the object to
gain energy. For example, electromagnetic waves from the Sun
Procedure cause electrons in asphalt to vibrate and gain energy, as shown
1. Read the procedure and safety in Figure 5. This energy can make the asphalt hot. The energy
information, and complete the
lab form.
carried by an electromagnetic wave is called radiant energy.
2. Point your television remote Radiant energy makes fire feel warm and enables you to see.
control, which uses electro-
magnetic waves, in different Waves and Particles
directions and observe whether The difference between a wave and a particle might seem
it will still control the obvious—a wave is a disturbance that carries energy, and a
television.
3. Place various materials in front
particle is a piece of matter. However, in reality, the difference
of the television’s infrared is not so clear.
receiver, and observe whether
the remote still controls the
Waves as particles In 1887, Heinrich Hertz found that
television. Some materials you he could create a spark by shining light on a metal. (Today, we
might try are glass, a book, know that this spark means that electrons were ejected from
your hand, paper, or the metal.) Hertz found that whether sparks occurred
a metal pan.
depended on the frequency of the light and not the amplitude.
Analysis Because the energy carried by a sound wave or water wave
1. Explain Was it necessary for depends on its amplitude and not its frequency, this result was
the remote control to be point- mysterious.
ing exactly toward the receiver
to control the television? In 1905, Albert Einstein provided an explanation. An elec-
Explain. tromagnetic wave can behave as a particle called a photon.
2. Analyze Did the remote con- A photon is a massless bundle of energy that behaves like a
tinue to work when the various particle. The photon’s energy depends on the frequency of the
materials were placed between
it and the receiver? Explain.
wave. The photon’s energy increases as the wave’s frequency
increases.

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 Paint particles sprayed through two slits Water waves produce an interference Electrons fired at two slits form a
coat only the area behind the slits.
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill pattern after passing through two slits. wavelike interference pattern.
“Middle School Science 2002”
■ Figure 6 When sent through two
Particles as waves Because electromagnetic waves could narrow slits, electrons behave as a
behave as particles, other scientists wondered whether particles, wave, not as particles.

such as electrons, could behave as waves. If a beam of electrons Concepts in Motion

was sprayed at two tiny slits, you might expect that the elec- Animation
trons would strike only the area behind the slits, like the spray
paint at the left of Figure 6.
But scientists found that the electrons formed an interfer-
ence pattern typical of waves, as seen in the right of Figure 6.
When waves pass through narrow slits, they interfere with each
other. This experiment showed that electrons can behave like
waves. It is now known that all particles can behave like waves.
However, this does not mean that particles travel in wavy lines.
Rather, this means that they display behavior, such as interfer-
ence, that was once associated only with waves.

Section 1 Review SC.912.P.10.1, SC.912.P.12.7

Section Summary 1. MAIN Idea Infer Would a vibrating proton produce an electromag-
netic wave? Would a vibrating neutron? Explain.
◗ An electromagnetic wave consists of a
vibrating electric field and a vibrating 2. Compare the frequency of an electromagnetic wave with the fre-
magnetic field. quency of the vibrating charge that produces the wave.
◗ Electromagnetic waves carry radiant 3. Describe how electromagnetic waves transfer energy to matter.
energy. 4. Explain how an electromagnetic wave can travel through space
◗ In empty space, electromagnetic waves that contains no matter.
travel at 300,000 km/s, the speed of light. 5. Think Critically Would a stationary electron produce an electro-
◗ Electromagnetic waves travel more slowly magnetic wave? Would a stationary magnet? Explain.
in matter, with a speed that depends on
the material.
◗ Electromagnetic waves can behave as
particles that are called photons.
Apply Math
6. Calculate How many minutes does it take an electromagnetic
wave to travel from the Sun to Earth (150,000,000 km)?

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 LAB The Speed of Light
SC.912.P.12.7: Recognize that nothing travels faster than the speed of light in vacuum which is the same for
all observers no matter how they or the light source are moving. MA.912.S.1.2: Determine appropriate and
consistent standards of measurement for the data to be collected in a survey or experiment.

Objectives Data Table

n Recognize that microwaves are a type of Distance Between Wavelength Speed of
electromagnetic wave. Pair
Hot Spots (cm) (km) Light (km/s)
n Determine the speed of light using a 1
microwave oven and the wave-speed
2
equation, v = f λ.

Background: The speed of light in air is

6. Use the small disks to mark the hot spots where the
299,000 km/s.
marshmallow melted the most.
Question: How can we measure the speed of light?
7. For five pairs of nearby hot spots, measure from the
center of one disk to the center of a nearby disk.
Preparation Record your data in your table.
Materials
microwave oven with turntable removed Conclude and Apply
microwave-safe plate waxed paper 1. Determine the wavelength. The distance
push-pin size disks metric ruler between hot spots is half a wavelength, d = λ / 2.
mini marshmallows oven mitts 2. Convert Units Wavelengths should have units
of kilometers, and the frequency should have
Safety Precautions units of hertz. Hint: 1 MHz = 1,000,000 Hz.
3. Calculate the speed of light using the equation
v = f λ. Do this for each pair of hot spots.
WARNING: Plate and melted marshmallows will be 4. Determine the largest, smallest, and average
hot. Do not eat any items used in the lab. Do not use values for the speed of light.
metal objects in the microwave.
5. Compare these speeds to the accepted speed of
light in air (299,000 km/s).
Procedure 6. Think Critically Describe another way that
1. Read the procedure and the safety information, scientists could measure the speed of light.
and complete the lab form.
2. Prepare a data table like the one shown.
3. Locate the manufacturer’s label on the back or
inside of your microwave, and record the micro-
wave’s frequency. YOUR DATA
4. Cover the plate with wax paper. Spread a single Compare your average speed of light with
layer of marshmallows onto the plate. Make sure the other groups in your class. Identify some
marshmallows are evenly spread and cover the plate. reasons why some calculations were closer to
5. Microwave the plate for about 45 s. Use oven mitts the accepted speed of light than others.
to remove the plate, and allow the plate to cool.

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 SC.912.P.10.18: Explore the theory of electromagnetism by comparing and contrasting the different parts of the
Section 2 electromagnetic spectrum in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy, and relate them to phenomena and
applications.

Reading Preview The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Essential Questions MAIN Idea The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into several
sections, each with a certain range of frequencies and specific
◗ What are the main divisions of properties.
the electromagnetic spectrum?
◗ What are the properties of each Real-World Reading Link Cell phones and X-ray machines both use
type of electromagnetic wave? electromagnetic waves. But you cannot take a picture of a broken bone
◗ What are some common uses of with your cell phone. Cell phones and X-ray machines use two different
each type of electromagnetic types of electromagnetic waves.
wave?

Review Vocabulary A Range of Frequencies

radiation: the transfer of thermal Electromagnetic waves have a wide variety of frequencies.
energy by electromagnetic waves They might vibrate once each second or trillions of times each
second. The entire range of electromagnetic wave frequencies is
New Vocabulary
called the electromagnetic spectrum. A spectrum is a continu-
radio waves
ous sequence arranged by a particular property.
microwaves
infrared waves Each region of the electromagnetic spectrum has a specific
visible light name, as shown in Figure 7. Each region interacts with matter
ultraviolet waves differently. The human eye detects only a small portion of the
X-rays electromagnetic spectrum called visible light. Various devices
gamma rays have been developed to detect other frequencies. For example,
g Multilingual eGlossary the antenna of your radio detects radio waves.
Radio Waves
? Inquiry Virtual Lab Even though you cannot see them, radio waves are all around
you. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths
longer than 10 cm. Radio waves have long wavelengths and low
■ Figure 7 Each region of the frequencies, and their photons have low energies. Radio waves
electromagnetic spectrum spans a
range of frequencies.
have many uses, including communications and medical imaging.
Wavelength, (m)
10 4 10 3 10 2 10 1 1 10-1 10-2 10-3 10-4 10-5 10-6 10-7 10-8 10-9 10-10 10-11 10-12 10-13 10-14

Microwaves
UV waves
Gamma rays
VISIBLE LIGHT

Radio waves X-rays

Infrared waves

105 106 107 10 8 10 9 1010 1011 1012 1013 1014 1015 1016 1017 1018 1019 1020 10 21 10 22
Frequency, ƒ (Hz)

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 Audio transmission Some radio waves carry an audio
signal from a radio station to a radio. However, even though
these radio waves carry information that a radio uses to create
sound, you cannot hear radio waves. You hear sound when
your radio changes the radio wave into a sound wave.
Radar Another use for radio waves is to find the position and
movement of objects by a method called radar. Radar stands for
RAdio Detecting And Ranging. With radar, radio waves are
transmitted toward an object. By measuring the time required
for the waves to bounce off the object and return to a receiving
antenna, the location of the object can be found. Radar is used
for tracking the movement of aircraft, watercraft, and space-
■Figure 8 Radar uses radio
craft, as shown in Figure 8. Law enforcement officers also use
waves to track airplanes and ships. radar to measure how fast a vehicle is moving.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) In the early
1980s, medical researchers developed a technique called magnetic
Concepts in Motion resonance imaging, which uses radio waves to help diagnose ill-
Animation ness. The patient lies inside a large cylinder, like the one shown in
Figure 9. The cylinder contains a powerful magnet, a radio wave
emitter, and a radio wave detector.
Protons in hydrogen atoms in bones and soft tissue behave
like magnets and align with the strong magnetic field created
by the machine’s magnet. Some of the protons absorb energy
from the radio waves and flip their alignments. The amount of
energy a proton absorbs and then re-emits depends on the type
VOCABULARY of tissue it is part of. A radio receiver detects this released
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY energy. This information is then used to create a map of the
Transmit different tissues. A picture of the inside of the patient’s body is
to send from one place to another
produced painlessly.
My cell phone transmitted the message
to my sister.

■ Figure 9 Magnetic resonance

imaging is used to produce images of
soft tissues.

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 Water molecules Electromagnetic
wave

Normally, water molecules are randomly oriented. The microwaves cause the water molecules to flip back and forth.

■Figure 10 Microwave ovens use electromagnetic

waves to transfer energy to water particles in food.
Microwaves
Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths
between 0.1 mm and 30 cm are called microwaves.
Microwaves with wavelengths of about 1 cm to SC.912.P.10.18: Explore the theory of electromagnetism by
comparing and contrasting the different parts of the electromagnetic
20 cm are widely used for communication, such spectrum in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy, and relate
them to phenomena and applications.
as for cellular telephones and satellite signals.
However, you are probably most familiar with
microwaves because of their use in microwave
ovens.
Reading Check Describe the differences between ? Inquiry MiniLab
microwaves and radio waves.
Investigate the Effects of
Microwave ovens In a microwave oven,
microwaves interact with the water molecules in Microwaves
food, as shown in Figure 10. Each water molecule Procedure
has a slight positive charge on one side and a slight
negative charge on the other side, so it will align in WARNING: Use caution when handling
an electric field. The vibrating electric field inside a hot beakers. Do not use metal objects in the
microwave oven causes water molecules in food to microwave.
1. Read the procedure and safety information,
rotate back and forth billions of times each second.
and complete the lab form.
This rotation causes a type of friction between 2. Obtain two small beakers. Place 50 mL of
water molecules that generates thermal energy. dry sand into each.
The thermal energy produced by the water mole- 3. To one of the beakers, add 20 mL of room-
cules’ interactions causes your food to cook. temperature water and stir well.
Foods with plenty of water cook well in the 4. With a thermometer, record the tempera-
ture of the sand in each beaker.
microwave. Frozen water, however, cannot be
5. Together, microwave both beakers of sand
warmed using microwaves because the water mol- for 10 s and immediately record the temper-
ecules are bound in a crystallized structure and ature again.
cannot rotate. On many microwave ovens, there is
Analysis
a special defrost setting. This setting heats the
1. Compare the initial and final temperatures
partly melted water on the surface of the food. of the wet and dry sand.
The inside of the food is then warmed by conduc- 2. Infer why there was a difference.
tion until all the water is liquid again.

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 ■ Figure 11 Infrared images of
homes and other buildings can provide Infrared Waves
information about the structure’s ener-
gy efficiency. Most of the warm air in a fireplace moves up the chimney, yet
Identify where energy is escaping you feel the warmth of the blazing fire when you stand in front of a
from the house. fireplace. Why do you feel the warmth? The warmth you feel is
thermal energy transmitted to you by infrared waves. Infrared
waves are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between about
one-thousandth of a meter and about 700-billionths of a meter.
Using infrared waves Every object emits infrared waves.
Hotter objects emit more infrared waves than cooler objects.
Infrared detectors can form images of objects from the infrared
waves they emit. These images, like the one in Figure 11, can
help determine how energy-efficient a structure is. Other
devices that use infrared waves include television remote con-
trols and CD-ROM drives.
Visible Light
Visible light is the range of electromagnetic waves that you
detect with your eyes. Visible light differs from radio waves,
microwaves, and infrared waves only by its frequency and
wavelength. Visible light has wavelengths around 700-billionths
to 400-billionths of a meter. Color is the brain’s interpretation
of the wavelengths of the light absorbed by substances in the
eye. These colors range from short-wavelength violet to long-
wavelength red, as illustrated in Figure 12. If all colors of light
are present in the same place, you see the light as white.

Red (7.00×10-7 m) Violet (4.00×10-7 m)

■ Figure 12 This spectrum of visible

light shows all colors of light from
long-wavelength red to short-
wavelength violet.

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 Ultraviolet Waves
Ultraviolet waves are electromagnetic waves with wave-
lengths from about 400-billionths to 10-billionths of a meter.
Ultraviolet waves (UV waves) can enter cells, making ultra-
violet waves both useful and harmful.
Useful UVs You probably know that UV waves cause sun-
burn. But some exposure to ultraviolet waves is healthy.
Ultraviolet waves striking the skin enable your body to make
vitamin D, which is needed for healthy bones and teeth.
Ultraviolet waves are also used to disinfect food, water, and
medical supplies, as shown in Figure 13. When ultraviolet light
enters a cell, it damages protein and DNA. For some single-
celled organisms, such as bacteria, this damage can mean death.
Ultraviolet waves make some materials fluoresce (floo RES).
Materials that fluoresce absorb ultraviolet waves and reemit the
energy as visible light. Police detectives sometimes use fluores-
cent powder to reveal fingerprints.
Harmful UVs When you spend time in the Sun, you might ■ Figure 13 Ultraviolet light is
used to kill bacteria in the water
wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Most of the UV waves that supply to make it safe for drinking.
reach Earth’s surface are longer-wavelength UVA rays. The This purifier also gives off visible
shorter-wavelength UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn blue light to let the user know that
the device is working.
and skin cancers, but UVA rays contribute to skin cancers and
skin damage, such as wrinkling.
The ozone layer About 20 to 50 km above Earth’s surface is a
region called the ozone layer. Ozone is a molecule composed of
three oxygen atoms. The ozone layer is vital to life on Earth because
it absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet waves and prevents
them from reaching Earth’s surface, as shown in Figure 14.

■ Figure 14 The ozone layer absorbs

most of the Sun’s UV waves. As a
result, few UV waves reach Earth’s
surface where they are harmful to
organisms.

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 Ultraviolet light hits UV light
a chlorofluorocarbon
(CFC) molecule,
breaking off a
chlorine atom.
Once free, the chlorine
atom reacts with another
ozone molecule.
Oxygen atom
A free oxygen atom pulls the
oxygen atom off the chlorine
Chlorine atom monoxide molecule.

Ozone molecule

The chlorine atom Chlorine monoxide

reacts with an ozone molecule, molecule
pulling off an oxygen atom.
Oxygen molecule

The chlorine atom and the

oxygen atom join to form a
chlorine monoxide molecule.

■ Figure 15 Ultraviolet radiation

breaks apart CFCs, which produces sin- Damage to the ozone layer The ozone layer changes naturally
gle chlorine atoms. The highly-reactive with the seasons. But in the 1980s and early 1990s, scientists
chlorine atoms destroy ozone
molecules. noticed an overall decrease in the amount of ozone in the ozone
Concepts in Motion
layer. Averaged globally, the decrease is about four percent, but
Animation
it is greater at higher latitudes. Many scientists think that cer-
tain chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), caused the
reduction of ozone in the ozone layer.
■ Figure 16 X-rays pass through
CFCs were widely used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and
soft tissue, such as skin and muscle, cleaning fluids, and some were released into the air. CFCs can
but they are absorbed by the denser rise over time into the upper regions of Earth’s atmosphere.
bones. The image of a bone on an
X-ray is the shadow cast by the
When CFCs reach the ozone layer, they might react with ozone
bone. molecules, as illustrated in Figure 15. One chlorine atom from a
CFC molecule can break apart thousands of ozone molecules. To
prevent the loss of more ozone, many countries worked together
to reduce the use of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.
X-rays
Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between about ten-
billionths of a meter and ten-trillionths of a meter are called
X-rays. X-rays have shorter wavelengths than UV waves and
their photons have larger energies. X-rays penetrate skin and
soft tissue but not denser materials, such as teeth and bones.
Doctors and dentists use low doses of X-rays to form images, like
the one in Figure 16, of bones and teeth. X-rays are also used in
airport screening devices to examine the contents of luggage.

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 Gamma Rays
Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter
than about 100-trillionths of a meter are called
gamma rays. Gamma rays have high frequencies
and have the highest-energy photons. They have
enough energy to penetrate several centimeters of
lead. Gamma rays are produced by processes that
occur in the nuclei of atoms.
Both X-rays and gamma rays are used in a
technique called radiation therapy to kill diseased
cells in the human body. A beam of X-rays or
gamma rays can damage the biological molecules
in living cells, causing both healthy and diseased
cells to die. By carefully controlling the amount of
X-ray or gamma ray radiation and focusing it on
the diseased area, the damage to healthy cells can
be reduced during treatment. Figure 17 shows a
patient receiving radiation to treat cancer. The
gamma rays are focused on the tumor and kill the
cancer cells, while doing little damage to the sur- ■ Figure 17 This patient is undergoing radiation
therapy. Cancer cells can be killed with carefully con-
rounding healthy cells. trolled beams of X-rays and gamma rays.

Section 2 Review SC.912.P.10.18, SC.912.L.16.10, SC.912.L.17.16

Section Summary 7. MAIN Idea Compare and contrast the properties and uses of radio
waves, infrared waves, and ultraviolet rays.
◗ The entire range of frequencies of electro-
magnetic waves is called the electromag- 8. Explain A mug of tea is heated in a microwave oven. Explain why
netic spectrum. the tea gets hotter than the mug.
◗ Radio waves and microwaves have the 9. Identify the beneficial effects and the harmful effects of human
longest wavelengths. exposure to ultraviolet rays.
◗ All objects emit infrared waves. 10. Name three objects in a home that produce electromagnetic
waves, and describe how the electromagnetic waves are used.
◗ The human eye can detect visible light.
11. Think Critically How could infrared imaging be used to find a
◗ Ultraviolet waves, X-rays, and gamma rays
lost hiker?
are both helpful and harmful to humans.

Apply Math
12. Use Scientific Notation Express the range of wavelengths corre-
sponding to visible light, ultraviolet waves, and X-rays in scientific
notation.
13. Convert Units A nanometer, abbreviated nm, equals one-billionth of
a meter, or 10–9 m. Express the range of wavelengths correspond-
ing to visible light, ultraviolet waves, and X-rays in nanometers.

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 SC.912.P.10.18: Explore the theory of electromagnetism by comparing and contrasting the different parts of
Section 3 the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy, and relate them to phenomena
and applications.

Reading Preview Radio Communication

Essential Questions MAIN Idea Radio waves and microwaves can be used to
transmit signals and information.
◗ How are carrier waves modulated
to transmit information? Real-World Reading Link When listening to the radio, you may have
◗ What is the difference between noticed that each radio station is labeled with a number. This number is
amplitude modulation and not just randomly assigned. It is the frequency of the radio wave that the
frequency modulation? station broadcasts.
◗ What technologies use radio
waves and microwaves for
communication?
Radio Transmissions
Each radio station uses an assigned frequency to avoid inter-
Review Vocabulary fering with other radio broadcasts. Television stations and cell
amplitude: a measure of the size phone companies are also assigned specific frequencies. These
of the disturbance a wave produces frequency ranges are shown in Figure 18. The remaining radio
New Vocabulary frequencies are assigned for other purposes, such as navigation
carrier wave and radio astronomy.
modulation Changing the channel on your radio or television allows you
analog signal to select a particular frequency carrying the information you
digital signal want to listen to or watch. An electromagnetic wave with the spe-
transceiver cific frequency that a station is assigned is called a carrier wave.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Modulation The station must do more than simply transmit
g Multilingual eGlossary
a carrier wave. It must also send information about the sounds
that you are to receive. The sounds produced at the radio station
are converted into electric signals. This electric signal is called
the signal wave and is used to modify the carrier wave. The
process of adding the signal wave to the carrier wave is called
modulation. There are two ways to modulate carrier waves:
amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM).

Frequency, ƒ
(MHz) .01 1 10 100 1000

TV
AM

■ Figure 18 To avoid interference, FM Cell phone

cell phones, TVs, and radios broadcast
at assigned frequencies between
500,000 Hz and 1 billion Hz.

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 Carrier wave Signal

Amplitude modulation Frequency modulation

■ Figure 19 The carrier wave is a

AM radio An AM radio station broadcasts information by wave with the frequency assigned to
the station. The signal wave contains
varying the amplitude of the carrier wave, as shown at the left in information about what you will hear.
Figure 19. AM carrier wave frequencies range from 540,000 to Modulation is the process of adding
1,600,000 Hz. the signal wave to the carrier wave. A
carrier wave can be modulated with
FM radio In FM radio signals, the signal wave is used to vary amplitude modulation (AM) or fre-
quency modulation (FM).
the frequency of the carrier wave, as shown at the right in
Figure 19. Because the strength of the FM waves is kept fixed,
FM signals tend to be more clear than AM signals. FM carrier
frequencies range from 88 million to 108 million Hz. These
frequencies are much higher than AM frequencies.
■ Figure 20 In a broadcast anten-
na, vibrating electrons produce an
Reading Check Compare and contrast AM and FM radio signals. electromagnetic wave that travels
outward in all directions.
Broadcasting radio waves The modified carrier wave
is converted from an electric signal to a radio wave by using an
antenna, like the one in Figure 20. The electric signal causes
electrons in the antenna to vibrate. These vibrating electrons
create electromagnetic waves that travel outward from the
antenna in all directions.
The signal from the radio station is strongest closer to the
broadcasting antenna and becomes weaker as you move away.
Eventually, the signal will be too weak to be detected by your
radio. This is why radios in New York City do not pick up
FM radio stations broadcast in Los Angeles. Bad weather, sur-
rounding mountains, and artificial structures can also interfere
with radio transmissions.

Reading Check Describe how a radio signal’s strength changes as you

move away from the tower.

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 Receiving radio waves As electromagnetic
waves pass by your radio’s antenna, the electrons
Electron in the metal vibrate, as illustrated in Figure 21.
These vibrating electrons produce a changing
electric current that contains the information
Radio wave
about the music and words. This current is used
to make the speakers vibrate, creating the sound
waves that you hear.
Antenna

The Digital Revolution

Until the early 21st century, information was
sent to TV sets in the same way it was sent to
radios. The audio information was sent using FM,
and the visual information was sent using AM.
The information signals were analog signals.
Analog signals are electric signals whose values
change smoothly over time.
In 2009, full-power television stations in the
United States began broadcasting only digital sig-
nals. A digital signal is an electric signal where
there are only two possible values: ON and OFF.
This is similar to a light switch where the light can
be on or off, but it cannot be half-on or half-off.
■ Figure 21 Radio waves exert a force on the There are many ways to modulate radio waves
electrons in a receiving antenna, causing the elec- using this on-and-off information. The simplest
trons to vibrate. The radio then filters out the methods, however, resemble traditional AM and FM
carrier wave and converts the signal to a sound
wave for you to hear. and are called Amplitude-Shift Keying (ASK) and
Frequency-Shift Keying (FSK). These types of digital
modulation are shown in Figure 22. More complex
ways of digital modulation allow more information
■ Figure 22 A digital signal can be used to modu- to be carried by a single wave. In the United States,
late the amplitude or frequency of the carrier wave. television stations use multiple amplitude modula-
Compare and contrast amplitude-shift keying tions to encode data on the carrier wave.
with amplitude modulation.

ON OFF ON

Carrier wave Digital signal

Amplitude-shift keying Frequency-shift keying

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 Telephones
Just a few decades ago, telephones had to be connected with
wires. Today, cell phones are seen everywhere. When you speak
into a telephone, a microphone converts the sound waves into
an electric signal. In a cell phone, this signal is transmitted to
and from microwave towers using microwaves or radio waves.
The towers, like the ones in Figure 23, are several kilometers
apart and each covers an area called a cell. If you move from
one cell to another, an automated control station transfers the
signal to the new cell and its tower.
Transceivers A cell phone is a transceiver. A transceiver
transmits one radio signal and receives another radio signal.
Using two signals with different frequencies allows you to talk
and listen at the same time without interference.
Cordless telephones are also transceivers. However, you
must remain close to the base unit when using a cordless
■ Figure 23 The antennae on
phone. Another drawback is that if someone nearby is using a
these microwave towers are trans-
cordless telephone at the same frequency, you could hear that ceivers that send signals to and
conversation on your phone. For this reason, many cordless receive signals from nearby cell
phones have a channel button that allows you to switch to phones.

another frequency.
Pagers Some hospitals ban cell phone use because there are
concerns that transceivers might interfere with medical equip-
ment. So, many doctors carry small, portable radio receivers
called pagers. To contact the doctor, a caller leaves a callback
number or a text message at a central terminal. The message is
changed into an electronic signal and transmitted by radio
waves along with the identification number of the desired
pager. The pager receives all messages transmitted at its
assigned frequency, but it only responds to messages with its
identification number. Restaurants also use pagers, like the one
in Figure 24, to notify customers that their tables are ready.

■ Figure 24 Each pager at a restau-

rant responds to its own assigned
frequency to alert customers that a
table is ready.

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 ■ Figure 25 Communications satel-
lites are transceivers. They receive
signals at one frequency and send sig-
nals at a different frequency. The solar
panels on either side of the satellite
allow the satellite to obtain energy
from the Sun.

VOCABULARY Communications Satellites

WORD ORIGIN Since satellites were first developed, thousands have been
Satellite
comes from the Latin word satelles
launched into Earth’s orbit. Many of these, like the one in
which means “attendant” Figure 25, are used for communication. The sender broadcasts
The Moon is a satellite that travels a microwave signal to the satellite. The satellite receives the
around Earth. signal, amplifies it, and transmits it to a particular region on
Earth. Like cell phones, satellites are transceivers. To avoid
? Inquiry Video Lab interference, the satellite receives signals at one frequency
and broadcasts signals at a different frequency.
Satellite telephone systems Some mobile telephones
can be used when sailing across the ocean, even though there
are no nearby cell phone towers. The telephone transmits the
signal directly to a satellite. The satellite relays the signal to a
ground station, and the call is passed on to the telephone net-
work. Satellite links work well for one-way transmissions, but
two-way communications can have a delay caused by the large
distance the signals travel to and from the satellite.
Television satellites The satellite-reception dishes that
you sometimes see in yards or attached to houses are receivers
for television satellite signals. Satellite television is used as an
alternative to ground-based transmission. Communications
satellites use microwaves rather than the radio waves used for
normal television broadcasts. Microwaves have shorter wave-
lengths and travel more easily through the atmosphere. The
ground receivers are dish-shaped to help focus the microwaves
onto an antenna.

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 The Global Positioning System
Getting lost while hiking is not uncommon;
but if you are carrying a Global Positioning
System receiver, it is much less likely to happen.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a system
of satellites, ground monitoring stations, and
receivers that determine your exact location at or
above Earth’s surface. The 24 satellites necessary
for 24-hour, around-the-world coverage became
fully operational in 1995. Figure 26 illustrates how
these satellites are arranged in orbit. Signals from
four satellites are used to determine the location
of an object using a GPS receiver.
GPS satellites are owned and operated by the
United States Department of Defense, but the
microwave signals they send out can be used by
■ Figure 26 A GPS receiver uses signals from four
anyone. Several other countries are working to of the 24 orbiting satellites to determine the receiver’s
develop similar systems. Airplanes, ships, cars, location.
and cell phones can use GPS for navigation. Some Concepts in Motion Animation
pet collars also contain GPS receivers. If the pet
runs away or is lost, the GPS receiver in the collar
can be used to locate the animal.

Section 3 Review SC.912.P.10.18

Section Summary 14. MAIN Idea Identify and describe the steps that a radio station uses
to broadcast sounds to your radio receiver.
◗ Radio stations transmit radio waves that
receivers convert to sound waves. 15. Explain the difference between AM and FM radio. Make a sketch
of how a carrier wave is modulated in AM and FM radio signals.
◗ Modulation is the process of adding the
information signal to the carrier wave. 16. Describe what happens to your signal when you are talking on a
cell phone and you travel from one cell to another cell.
◗ Telephones contain transceivers and con-
vert sound waves into electric signals and 17. Explain some of the uses of the Global Positioning System. Why
electric signals into sound waves. might emergency vehicles be equipped with GPS receivers?
◗ Microwave towers and satellites are used 18. Think Critically Why do cordless telephones stop working when
to transmit telephone signals. you move too far from the base unit?
◗ The Global Positioning System uses a sys-
tem of satellites to determine your exact
position. Apply Math
19. Calculate a Ratio A TV screen is composed of many points of light
called pixels. A standard TV has 460 pixels horizontally and
360 pixels vertically. A high-definition TV has 1,920 horizontal and
1,080 vertical pixels. What is the ratio of the number of pixels in a
high-definition TV to the number in a standard TV?

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 LAB Radio Broadcasts
SC.912.P.10.18: Explore the theory of electromagnetism by comparing and contrasting the different parts of
USE THE INTERNET the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy, and relate them to phenomena
and applications.

Objectives Preparation
n Research which frequencies are used by
Data Source
different radio stations.
Use approved Internet sites to find information
n Observe the relationship between about radio stations in your area.
broadcasting power and the range that the
The Federal Communications Commission’s Web
signal reaches.
site provides official technical data.
n Make a chart of your findings and
communicate them to other students. Make a Plan
Background: The signals from many radio sta- 1. Read the procedure and safety information, and
tions broadcasting at different frequencies are complete the lab form.
hitting your radio’s antenna at the same time. 2. Explore the frequencies used by local AM and
When you tune to your favorite station, the elec- FM radio stations by tuning a radio. Select two
tronics inside your radio amplify the signal at the AM and two FM stations to research for more
frequency broadcast by the station. information.
While you are listening to a radio station in 3. Copy the table below, and record the frequency
your car, you might have noticed sometimes the for each station. Write down any other informa-
station gets fuzzy and you will hear another sta- tion that you know about the station, such as its
tion at the same time. Sometimes you lose the call letters or its broadcast location.
station completely.
4. Evaluate how well the signal can be detected. Is it
Questions: How far away from the radio station can strong and clear, or does it come and go?
you travel before that happens? Does the distance
5. Hypothesize how distance between the broadcast
vary depending on the station you listen to? Which
antenna and your radio affects the strength of the
type of signal, AM or FM, has a greater range?
signal.

Data Table
1st FM Station 2nd FM Station 1st AM Station 2nd AM Station
Frequency
Call letters
How well is the signal received?
Broadcast location
Broadcast power
Distance between broadcast
antenna and your radio
Coverage area of station

358 Chapter 11 • Electromagnetic Waves ? Inquiry Lab

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 6. Form a hypothesis about how the broadcast
power affects the size of the radio station’s broad-
cast area. The broadcast power is the power of
the signal that the radio station broadcasts.
7. Determine what information you will need to
find to check your two hypotheses.

TFollow
Analyze
Anally
Test zeYour
the YourPlan
ModelData
1. Make sure your teacher approves your plan
before you start.
2. Research each of your radio stations using
approved Web sites.
3. Visit the Federal Communications Commission’s
Web site to find official data on each station. You
will need to go to the Media Bureau Home Page
Audio Division.
4. Use the FCC’s FM Query option to find informa-
tion about each of your FM stations. On the
information page, locate the location, signal
strength, and call letters of each station.
5. Locate the Service Contour Map option, and use
the map there to find the radius of each station’s
coverage area.
6. Use the FCC’s AM Query option to find infor-
mation about each of your AM stations. Find
each station’s location, signal strength, and Conclude and Apply
Ap
pply
y
call letters.
1. Compare your findings to those of your class-
7. Record your data in your data table.
mates. Did they find the same relationship
between broadcast power and coverage area that
Analyze Your Data you did?
1. Make a map of the radio stations that you 2. Identify other possible reasons for how well a
researched. Mark the location of each broadcast station can be received.
antenna and your location. 3. Infer If you wanted to build a radio station that
2. Draw the approximate coverage areas for each uses the same frequency and power as one of
FM station. your FM stations, how close could you place it?
3. Describe how the broadcast power affects the Mark a possible location on your map.
coverage area of the station.
4. Describe how the distance between the broad-
cast antenna and your radio affects the signal
strength.
YOUR DATA
Write a proposal for your new FM radio
station. Include the location, frequency, and
power of the station. Present your proposal to
your class. As a class, evaluate each proposal.

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 SC.912.P.10.18: Explore the theory of electromagnetism by
comparing and contrasting the different parts of the electromagnetic

A New Kind spectrum in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy, and relate
them to phenomena and applications.

of Rays
ave you ever broken a bone? Visited the

H dentist? If so, you were exposed to a

powerful, invisible form of electromag-
netic radiation. Well-understood and widely
applied today, this phenomenon was once so
mysterious that it was simply called “X”—a
mathematical symbol representing something
unknown. The discovery of X-rays shocked and
inspired scientists around the world.
Figure 1 The image of Bertha Roentgen’s hand
A ghostly, green glow On a November after- clearly shows the shadows cast by her bones and
noon in 1895, German physicist William Roentgen rings as the X-rays traveled through her flesh.
was studying the effects of passing electric current
In December 1895, Roentgen published his find-
through gas in a device called a cathode ray tube.
ings in a paper entitled “On a New Kind of Rays.”
To eliminate light that would interfere with his
Scientists worldwide quickly and enthusiastically
experiment, Roentgen covered the tube with thick
duplicated, expanded upon, and applied
black paper. Roentgen observed something he
Roentgen’s findings.
could not explain: a screen, which was coated with
chemicals, was shimmering with a green glow.
Immediate application A few months later,
Why did the chemical-coated screen glow? 14-year-old Eddie McCarthy fell while ice skating
Roentgen knew it was impossible for light produced in New Hampshire and injured his left wrist.
by the cathode ray tube to penetrate the heavy Physicians recognized the potential of X-rays to
paper and travel the distance to the screen. He con- study internal injuries and used X-rays to photo-
cluded that some unknown, invisible ray—quickly graph the fracture. The medical application of
dubbed “X”—had penetrated the glass walls of the X-ray technology was born. In a relatively brief
gas tube and the heavy black paper, crossed the air, time, researchers unveiled the once-hidden prop-
and contacted the screen, causing it to glow. erties of X-ray radiation. Their discoveries created
a powerful tool that revolutionized medicine and
Famous fingers Roentgen conducted weeks of scientific research.
experiments and was amazed to discover that the
WebQuest Investigate and Analyze
powerful X-rays could pass through wood, skin,
most metal objects, and even the thick walls of his Research ways that X-ray technology is applied in
the medical field. Create a spreadsheet showing
laboratory. In late December, Roentgen
several specific uses of the technology, the branch
recorded an X-ray image of his wife or branches of medicine to which each applies,
Bertha’s hand. The now famous and a description of the benefits of using X-ray
photo is shown in Figure 1. technology in each setting.

360 Chapter 11 • Electromagnetic

Elec
eecctr
troom
magnetiic Wa
ma Wave
Waves
ves

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 11
THEME FOCUS Technology
Electromagnetic waves are essential for modern medicine and communications. X-rays and MRI allow us
to see inside the human body. Radio waves and microwaves carry information and allow us to communi-
cate over long distances.

BIG Idea Electromagnetic waves transfer energy through matter and

through space.

Section
n 1 What are electromagnetic waves?
electromagnetic wave (p. 338) MAIN Idea Vibrating electric charges produce
photon (p. 342) electromagnetic waves.
• An electromagnetic wave consists of a vibrating electric field and a
vibrating magnetic field.
• Electromagnetic waves carry radiant energy.
• In empty space, electromagnetic waves travel at 300,000 km/s, the
speed of light.
• Electromagnetic waves travel more slowly in matter, with a speed that
depends on the material.
• Electromagnetic waves can behave as particles called photons.

Section
n 2 The Electromagnetic Spectrum
gamma ray (p. 351) MAIN Idea The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into
infrared wave (p. 348) several sections, each with a certain range of frequencies and
microwave (p. 347) specific properties.
radio wave (p. 345)
ultraviolet wave (p. 349) • The entire range of frequencies of electromagnetic waves is called the
visible light (p. 348) electromagnetic spectrum.
X-ray (p. 350) • Radio waves and microwaves have the longest wavelengths.
• All objects emit infrared waves.
• The human eye can detect visible light.
• Ultraviolet waves, X-rays, and gamma rays are both helpful and
harmful to humans.
Section
n 3 Radio Communication
analog signal (p. 354) MAIN Idea Radio waves and microwaves can be used to
carrier wave (p. 352) transmit signals and information.
digital signal (p. 354)
• Radio stations transmit radio waves that receivers convert to
Global Positioning System
(GPS) (p. 357) sound waves.
modulation (p. 352) • Modulation is the process of adding the information signal to the
transceiver (p. 355) carrier wave.
• Telephones contain transceivers and convert sound waves into electric
signals and electric signals into sound waves.
• Microwave towers and satellites are used to transmit
telephone signals.
• The Global Positioning System uses a system of satellites to determine
your exact position.

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 11
SC.912.P.10.18, SC.912.P.10.1, SC.912.L.17.16
28. Electromagnetic waves can behave like
Use Vocabulary particles called ___________.
A) electrons C) photons
Complete each sentence with the correct term from
B) molecules D) atoms
the Study Guide.
20. _________ are the type of electromagnetic 29. Which type of electromagnetic wave enables
waves that are used in radar and MRI. skin cells to produce vitamin D?
A) infrared waves C) visible light
21. A remote control uses _________ to com- B) ultraviolet waves D) X-rays
municate with a television set.
Use the figure below to answer questions 30
22. If you stay outdoors too long, your skin and 31.
might be burned by exposure to _________
from the Sun. The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Low frequency High frequency
23. A radio station broadcasts a radio wave (A) Microwaves (B) Visible (C) X-rays (D)
light
called a(n) _________ that has the specific
frequency assigned to the station.
30. Which type of electromagnetic wave is the
24. A(n) _________ is a device that transmits at correct label for section B?
one frequency and receives at another. A) ultraviolet waves C) radio waves
B) gamma rays D) infrared waves
25. Transverse waves that are produced by
vibrating electric charges and consist of 31. Which type of electromagnetic wave is the
vibrating electric and magnetic fields are correct label for section D?
_________. A) ultraviolet waves C) radio waves
B) gamma rays D) infrared waves
Check Concepts 32. Which of the following is modified in an
AM radio wave?
A) speed C) amplitude
26. Which of the following describes X-rays?
B) frequency D) wavelength
A) short wavelength, high frequency
B) short wavelength, low frequency 33. What is the name of the ability of some
C) long wavelength, high frequency materials to absorb ultraviolet light and
D) long wavelength, low frequency re-emit it as visible light?
A) modulation C) transmission
27. Which type of electromagnetic wave has
B) interference D) fluorescence
wavelengths greater than about 10 cm?
A) ultraviolet waves 34. Which of these colors of visible light has the
B) radio waves shortest wavelength?
C) gamma rays A) violet C) red
D) X-rays B) yellow D) green

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 11
38. Explain why X-rays are used in medical
Interpret Graphics imaging.
35. Copy and complete the following table 39. THEME FOCUS Classify Look around your
about the electromagnetic spectrum. home, school, and community. Make a list
of the devices that use electromagnetic
Uses of Electromagnetic Waves waves. Beside each device, write the type of
Type of Examples of How electromagnetic wave that the device uses.
Electromagnetic Electromagnetic Waves
Waves Are Used 40. Form a hypothesis to explain why communi-
a. radio, TV transmission cations satellites do not use ultraviolet
Microwaves b. waves to receive information and transmit
signals to Earth’s surface.
Infrared waves c.
Visible light vision 41. Compare the energy of photons correspond-
d. fluorescent materials ing to infrared waves with the energy of
photons corresponding to ultraviolet waves.
X-rays e.
f. destroying harmful cells 42. Determine Under what conditions will an
electromagnetic wave travel slower than the
36. Copy and complete the following events speed of light? At the speed of light? Faster
chain about the destruction of ozone mole- than the speed of light? Explain.
cules in the ozone layer by CFC molecules.
43. Compare and contrast sound waves and
CFCs are released into the air. electromagnetic waves.

a.
A pply Math
CFCs release chlorine atoms. 44. Use Fractions When visible light waves
travel in ethyl alcohol, their speed is three-
b.
fourths the speed of light in air. What is the
speed of light in ethyl alcohol?

Ozone is changed to oxygen atoms

45. Use Scientific Notation The speed of light in
and molecules. a vacuum has been determined to be
299,792,458 m/s. Express this number
using scientific notation and round to four
total digits.
Think Critically 46. Calculate A radio wave has a frequency
of 600,000 Hz and travels at a speed of
37. BIG Idea Predict whether an electromag- 300,000 km/s. Use the wave speed equation
netic wave would travel through space if its to calculate the wavelength of the radio
electric and magnetic fields were not chang- wave. Express your answer in meters.
ing with time. Explain your reasoning.

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 Standardized Test Practice
Multiple Choice
Record your answers on the answer sheet 6. Which explains how interference is avoided
provided by your teacher or on a sheet of paper. between the signals that cordless phones
receive and the signals that they
1. Which of the following produces electromag- broadcast? SC.912.P.10.18
netic waves? SC.912.P.10.18 A. The signals travel at different speeds.
A. vibrating electric charge B. The signals have different amplitudes.
B. direct current C. The signals have different frequencies.
C. static electric charge D. The signals are only magnetic.
D. constant magnetic field
7. Which person explained how light can
Use the figure below to answer questions 2 and 3. behave as a particle, called a photon,
whose energy depends on the frequency
OFF
of light? SC.912.P.10.18
ON ON
A. Einstein C. Newton
B. Hertz D. Galileo

2. What type of signal is shown above? Use the table below to answer questions 8 and 9.
A. analog signal SC.912.P.10.18

B. carrier signal Regions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

C. digital signal Infrared waves Radio waves Gamma rays
D. modulated signal X-rays Visible light Ultraviolet waves

3. Which type of broadcast would be most

likely to use this signal? SC.912.P.10.18 8. If you arranged the list of electromagnetic
A. AM radio waves shown above in order from shortest to
B. FM radio longest wavelength, which would be first on
C. newspapers the list? SC.912.P.10.18

D. television A. radio waves C. gamma rays

B. X-rays D. visible light
4. Which term refers to the energy carried by an
electromagnetic wave? SC.912.P.10.1 9. Which region of the electromagnetic spec-
A. kinetic energy trum is not listed in the table above?
B. potential energy A. alpha rays C. water waves
C. radiant energy B. sound waves D. microwaves
D. nuclear energy SC.912.P.10.18
10. The warmth that you feel from a fire is ther-
5. The frequency of an electromagnetic wave mal energy transmitted to you by which
has which unit? SC.912.P.10.18 type of electromagnetic waves? SC.912.P.10.1
A. newtons A. X-rays
B. hertz B. microwaves
C. nanometers C. ultraviolet waves
D. meters/second D. infrared waves

364 Standardized Test Practice Assessment Standardized Test Practice

0364_0365_C11STP_894583.indd 364 5/14/10 1:58 PM

 Short Response Extended Response
Record your answers on the answer sheet Record your answers on a sheet of paper.
provided by your teacher or on a sheet of paper.
16. A CD player converts the musical informa-
Use the figure below to answer questions 11 and 12. tion on a CD to a varying electric current.
Describe how the varying electric current
produced by a CD player in a radio station
is converted into radio waves. SC.912.P.10.18

17. Explain how an electromagnetic wave that

strikes a material transfers radiant energy to
the atoms in the material. SC.912.P.10.1

18. How would a change in the amount of ozone

in the ozone layer affect the amount of the
ultraviolet and visible light waves emitted by
11. The illustration above shows two radio the Sun that reach Earth’s surface?
SC.912.P.10.18
waves broadcast by a radio station. What is
19. Explain why all objects emit electromag-
the upper, unmodulated wave called?
SC.912.P.10.18
netic waves. SC.912.P.10.18

12. The lower figure shows the same wave after

Use the figure below to answer question 20.
it was modulated to carry sound informa-
tion. What type of modulation does it show?
SC.912.P.10.18
13. What distance would an electromagnetic
wave in a vacuum travel in one yyear?
SC.912.P.12.7
14. Even on a cloudy day, you can get sun-
burned outside. What does this tell you 20. The illustration above shows microwaves
about ultraviolet waves? SC.912.P.10.18
interacting with water molecules in food.
How does the electric field in microwaves
15. Which type of radio station transmits radio affect water molecules? SC.912.P.10.18

waves at higher frequencies: AM stations or

FM stations? SC.912.P.10.18
21. Describe how thermal energy inside food is
produced by microwaves interacting with
water molecules. SC.912.P.10.1

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Assessment Standardized Test Practice Standardized Test Practice 365

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