The Electromagnetic Spectrum (Worksheet)

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Rationale

On a frequency scale, the electromagnetic spectrum extends from zero to infinity. Radiation in different regions is produced and detected in different ways and has different applications. If you are familiar with these different properties and characteristics, you will be able to assess safety issues, understand the limitations and opportunities in various applications, and identify new applications.

Resources

Information can be found on the Internet as well as in library books on spectroscopy.

Plan/Tasks

Each team should prepare a report to the class on one region of the electromagnetic spectrum from the following table. This report should identify the items below.# An object about the size of one wavelength of this radiation.

A laboratory source of the radiation.
A method for obtaining tunable monochromatic radiation.
A device that can detect the radiation.
Effect on a molecule when it absorbs the radiation.
Documented effects of the radiation on a human body.
How the radiation is being used in modern research.

Resources

Table 1 Regions of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Table 9 The Greek Alphabet

Table 5 Some Units Commonly Used in Quantum Chemistry

Table 8 Physical Constants