Electromagnetic Spectrum

X-Rays
Discovery: X rays were first discovered the 8th of November 1895, by Wilhem Conrad Rongten while experimenting with electrical currents through glass cathode-ray tubes. Uses and Applications: Photograph bones within living flesh. X-Ray microscopic analysis Airport Security scanners Identify the composition of substances. Scientific Discoveries made possible: X-Ray machine High resolution electron spectroscopy- electronic structure Determination of the structure of Haemoglobin and Myoglobin-proteins Reflection, Refraction and Diffraction of the Wave: Molecular structures were determined by X-ray diffraction in gases. Photographs of X-ray diffraction patterns allowed scientists to infer the crystal structures of solids.- Diffractometer MYTHS: X-Rays will affect the breast milk of a pregnant woman- N0 The amount of radiation from an X-ray can cause mutations-NO Dental X-rays are particularly harmful because they are so close to your head and brain-NO

Gamma Rays
Discovery: They were discovered in the 1900s by a French Physicist called Paul Villard while he was in the process of conducting studies with Uranium. Uses and Applications: Used to inspect casting and welds: Image on the photographic film allows seeing errors or defects. Used in medicine to destroy specific types of cancerous cells. To sterilise surgical instruments. To kill harmful bacteria in food. Researches and discoveries: By trying to solve the mysteries of the Gamma Ray bursts, scientists have increased their knowledge about the origins of the universe, the size of the universe and the rate at which it is expanding. The discovery of a way for Gamma Ray focusing could result in a better understanding of how light interacts with matter.

Reflection, Diffraction and refraction of the wave: Gamma Ray diffraction was discovered in 1912 and it led the way to solving the location of atoms within crystal structures of a solid.-crystallography Gamma ray refraction has allowed Gamma ray optics which can be used for detecting illicit nuclear material and getting rid of nuclear waste
Myths: The only safe level of Gamma radiation is zero- Actually there is not a zero level of radiation, you are always exposed. Gamma radiation will make you glow- NO, this only happened when radium was mixed with a chemical called phosphate.-transparent Gamma Rays can make you stronger (Hulk)- Although Gamma rays can create matter(muscles), such a high energy level would kill a person instantly.

Infrared Waves
Discovery: Infrared light or waves were discovered in 1800 by Sir Frederick William Herschel. He was born in Germany, Hanover. He decided to investigate the temperature of each colour when sunlight is passed through a prism.

To do this, he used three thermometers; the bulbs of these were blacked out so these were the better to absorb heat with. He put one bulb directly in the colour and the other two past the spectrum to act as controls. Herschel found out two things, the first thing was that the temperature of the thermometer was greater than the controls. The second thing he found out was a temperature increase from violet to red.

Ultraviolet Rays
Discovery: Johann Ritter is best known for his discovery of ultraviolet light in 1801. Ritter was born in 1776 in Samitz, Poland. He worked as a pharmacist between 1791 and 1795 and then attended the University of Jena to study science. Ritter performed numerous experiments when he was in college. Only a year before him, in 1800, William Herschel discovered infrared light.

Ultraviolet or how some people call it UV. This Ultraviolet light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. But these waves are invisible to the human eye, some insects, like bumblebees, can see them. Our eyes are not strong as some insects.

Microwaves
Discovery: John Randall and H. A. Boot invented a magnetron that produced microwaves. Uses:

Heating Communication Radar Radio Astronomy Navigation Spectroscopy

Basics: Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from as long as one meter to as short as one millimetre with frequencies between 300 MHz (0.3 GHz) and 300 GHz. The prefix "micro-" in "microwave" is not meant to suggest a wavelength in the micrometer range. It indicates that microwaves are "small" compared to waves used in typical radio broadcasting. Microwaves Myths

Microwave Ovens Cook Food from Inside to Outside- False

Metals Get Dangerously Hot in Microwaves- False Microwaves leak unsafe levels of electromagnetic radiationFalse (most of the time) Microwaves alter food in unsafe ways- Undetermined but unlikely.

Radio Waves
Discovery:
Radio waves were discovered by Heinrich Rudolf Hertz who was a German physicist. He was the first person to receive and broadcast radio waves. This discovery happened in 1887. Basics: Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than infrared light, ranging from 1 millimeter (0.039 in) to 100 kilometers (62 mi) Radio waves have frequencies from 300 GHz to as low as 3 KHz. Types of Radio waves and Uses: Long Wave: long-distance AM radio Medium wave: local AM radio Short wave: amateur radio VHF: FM radio UHF: TV Broadcasts

Radio Wave Myths Radio waves can be harmful to humans- Undetermined but unlikely Cell phones interfere with flying instruments- False Tooth fillings can pick up Radio waves- Undetermined