Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Students learn the basics of the electromagnetic spectrum and how various types of electromagnetic waves are related in terms of wavelength and energy. In addition, they are introduced to the various types of waves that make up the electromagnetic spectrum including, radio waves, ultraviolet waves, visible light and infrared waves. These topics help inform students before they turn to designing solutions to an overarching engineering challenge question.
Engineers design many products that use various types of waves found in the electromagnetic spectrum.Copyright (top) 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved. (bottom) South Carolina Algal Ecology Lab, SC Department of Natural Resources http://www.dnr.sc.gov/ael/personals/pjpb/lecture/lecture.html
Engineers have designed many devices and instruments that use various types of waves found in the electromagnetic spectrum, including the radio, x-ray instruments, CT scans and sterilization techniques. These devices use electromagnetic waves in different ways. To successfully design these instruments and make them safe for people to use, engineers must understand every aspect of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Through this legacy cycle lesson, students continue to gather the knowledge necessary to come up with a solution to the engineering challenge outlined in lesson 1 of this unit. Before designing a solution to a problem, engineers must conduct research and gather information—an important step of the engineering design process.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain the relationship between the size of a wave and frequency.
- Explain the relationship between a wave's energy and wavelength.
- Compare all EM waves in terms of their energy and wavelengths.