You will be taking a closer look at one of the eight types of electromagnetic energy
in the electromagnetic spectrum radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves,
visible light, ultraviolet light, x rays, gamma rays, and cosmic waves.
The class will be divided into eight groups. Each group will focus on a portion of
the electromagnetic spectrum. Groups should use traditional forms of research:
reference books from the media center or public libraries, your Chemistry textbook,
as well as Internet links. Each member of the expert group must have the necessary
information and materials to make a class presentation on their area of the
spectrum. Students should be creative in their presentations: have a variety of
materials to use for presentations including construction paper, chart paper,
markers, overheads, smart board, and magazines. The key to a successful and
interesting presentation is to use visuals, such as labeled diagrams. You may want to
create a power point presentation to go along with the other visuals.
Groups must work together to research the following information about their form
of radiation:
1. What are the characteristics of this type of radiation (wavelength, frequency,
key facts)?
Each group should answer the following questions and complete the chart that follows:
1. When scientists talk about "electromagnetic radiation", what are they really describing?
4. Look at the wavelength ranges for X-rays from your three different sources. Are they
exactly the same, or are there any differences? (You may need to do some unit conversion
to make the comparison.)
5. Look at the other kinds of electromagnetic radiation. Did your three sources agree on any
of the wavelength ranges?
6. Based on the results of your research, does it appear that the wavelength ranges for each
part of the electromagnetic spectrum have precise value, or do different scientists use
different definitions for each region? Justify your response.
8. Do people in different fields all have the same definition for the range
of wavelengths for each region of the spectrum? (ultraviolet light, for
example)
10.
Suggest explanations for why the values for each wavelength
range might be different for different scientists.
Type of
Electromagneti
c Radiation
Cosmic Rays
Gamma Rays
X-Rays
Ultraviolet
Visible Light
Infrared
Microwaves
Radio/TV
Does it get
through the
Earths
atmosphere?
Level of danger
it poses to
living
organisms
Yes/No
High/Low/Non
e
Uses &
Wavelength
Applications Range
Wavelength
Range
Wavelength
Range
(in meters)
(in meters)
(in meters)
Website:
Website:
Website:
As you watch the presentations by other groups, you should complete a learning chart with important facts and
questions about each type of radiation. Your learning charts should look like this:
Type of Radiation
Where is it found?
How is it used?
Radio/TV
J=
Hz =
Microwaves
J=
Hz =
Infrared
J=
Hz =
Visible
J=
Hz =
Ultraviolet
J=
Hz =
X-rays
J=
Hz =
Gamma rays
J=
Hz =
Cosmic Rays
J=
Hz =
Choose one question from the learning chart above and research the answer. (Bonus: 10 points)
http://observe.ivv.nasa.gov/nasa/education/reference/emspec/emspectrum.html
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/introduction/emspectrum.html
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/light/spectrum.html
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/multiwavelength_astronomy/multiwavelength_astronomy/activities.html
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/light/spectrum.html
http://gepasi.dbs.aber.ac.uk/roy/ftir/emspec.htm
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/emspectrum.html
http://observe.ivv.nasa.gov/nasa/education/reference/emspec/emspectrum.html
http://praxis.pha.jhu.edu/pictures/emspec.gif
http://www.howstuffworks.com/radio-spectrum.htm
http://www.howstuffworks.com/radio.htm
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/light/makewaves-frames.html
http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/vss/docs/Communications/2-more-about-radio-waves.html
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/spaceweather/wave_modulation.html