GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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EM Waves & Atoms

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Waves Electromagnetic waves

EM Waves & Atoms

2:37 Hazardous Waves
Spec 4.6.2.3
Previous Properties of High-Frequency EM Waves Next Refraction Ray Diagrams
  • Certain electromagnetic waves can be absorbed by atoms.
  • Atoms consist of electrons orbiting a nucleus of protons and neutrons.
  • Electromagnetic waves carry energy without matter.
  • Examples of absorbable waves: infrared (IR), visible light, ultraviolet (UV), and x-rays.
  • Each atom absorbs waves with specific frequencies.
  • Atoms absorb electromagnetic waves to gain energy, which is transferred to electrons to change orbits.
  • Changes in atoms can result in the emission of electromagnetic waves.
  • Atoms release energy as electromagnetic waves to become stable after absorbing too much energy.
  • Emitted waves are usually infrared, visible, ultraviolet, or x-rays.
  • Devices like X-ray machines and UV lamps make atoms unstable to emit these waves.
  • High-frequency EM waves include gamma waves, which are not absorbed by atoms in the same way.
  • Gamma rays are generated due to changes in a nucleus.
  • The nucleus can gain excess energy through reactions or absorbing certain waves.
  • To release this energy, the nucleus emits gamma waves.
  • Gamma waves are specifically emitted from the nucleus, not lower frequency EM waves.

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