Uses and applications of electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves have many practical applications. For example:

• radio waves – television and radio
• microwaves – satellite communications, cooking food
• infrared – electrical heaters, cooking food, infrared cameras
• visible light – fibre optic communications
• ultraviolet – energy efficient lamps, sun tanning
• X-rays and gamma rays – medical imaging and treatments.

(HT only) Students should be able to give brief explanations why each type of electromagnetic wave is suitable for the practical application.

(HT only) WS 1.4