Electromagnetic Waves and Telescopes Quiz

How does the information collected from waves by a space telescope compare to that of a ground telescope?

• Ground telescopes and space telescopes can both record the shortest wavelengths of light that pass through Earth’s atmosphere.

• Ground telescopes and space telescopes can both record the longest wavelengths of light that are blocked by Earth’s atmosphere.

• Space telescopes can record long wavelengths of light that are blocked by Earth’s atmosphere, but ground telescopes cannot.

• Space telescopes can record short wavelengths that are blocked by Earth’s atmosphere, but ground telescopes cannot.

Colored fabrics left out in the sun often fade from the electromagnetic waves they receive. How would this observation change if the ozone layer were thinner and had less power to affect incoming UV radiation?

• There would be more infrared radiation that would reach Earth and cause fabrics to fade even more.

• Less ultraviolet radiation would reach Earth and the fabrics, which would fade less and appear brighter over time.

• More ultraviolet radiation would reach Earth, causing fabrics to fade even more quickly.

• There would be more visible light that would reach Earth and cause fabrics to appear brighter.

The electromagnetic waves that pass through the atmosphere and reach Earth from space typically have _______ frequencies and __________ wavelengths. Which terms best complete the sentence?

• high; short

• low; long

• low; short

• high; long

A traditional radio can send two different types of signals, AM and FM. The difference in these signals is shown in the image. Which of the following statements accurately compares the AM and FM waves?

• Only the frequency of the wave changes in an FM signal. In AM radio waves, only the amplitude of the signal changes.

• The amplitude of FM waves changes with the signal, while the frequency of the AM waves changes with the signal.

• The energy in FM waves is higher than the energy in AM waves.

• The frequency and amplitude are the same in FM waves and different in AM waves.

Most news stations use AM radio because it can be transmitted over much longer distances than FM radio. Based on this information, how do the wavelengths compare in AM and FM radio waves?

• AM waves have shorter wavelengths than FM waves so they can travel between particles in the air.

• AM waves have longer wavelengths than FM waves so they can travel farther without interacting with obstacles.

• AM waves have wavelengths that do not change so they have more energy than FM waves.

• AM waves have wavelengths that change more dramatically than FM waves, so they are able to travel through a variety of materials more easily.

Two students are discussing how electromagnetic waves are used in medical imaging and treatments. Student A claims waves with high frequencies are used. Student B thinks waves with bigger amplitudes are used. Part A: Which of the following is a similarity between the two student claims about the waves used in medical imaging and treatments?

• Both student claims describe waves with high energy.

• Both student claims describe waves with long wavelengths.

• Both student claims identify the effect waves have on matter.

• Both student claims identify how far the waves have traveled.

Upon further reading, the students find out that gamma rays are used in some medical imaging and treatments. Which student can say that this new evidence supports their claim?

• Student B, because gamma rays have the longest wavelengths and largest amplitudes of EM waves.

• Student A, because gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths and the highest frequencies among EM waves.

• Student A, because gamma rays have the longest wavelengths and highest frequencies among EM waves.

• Student B, because gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths and smallest amplitudes of EM waves.

The image of a person holding a plastic bag is shown using two different types of electromagnetic waves. Different details are visible depending on the type of electromagnetic wave that the camera picks up. Compare the waves used in images A and B. Which of the following accurately describes the differences?

• A. Image A uses visible light, which has higher frequencies than the infrared light used in image B.

• B. Image A uses visible light, which has shorter wavelengths than the X-rays used in image B.

• C. Image A uses infrared light, which has higher frequencies than the X-rays used in image B.

• D. Image A uses radio waves, which have longer wavelengths than the infrared light used in image B.

Which of the following explains how the waves used in image B can be applied to useful imaging technology?

• The waves that are emitted from the person are cold waves so if a camera can pick up cold radiation it can create an image with temperature differences.

• All of the waves emitted from the person are in the form of heat, so a camera is designed to tell where regions are hot and cold.

• The person emits all wavelengths of radiation so if a camera can detect all the different wavelengths, it can put them together to form an image.

• The waves emitted from the person are not blocked by the black bag, so they can be used to see what is behind obstacles that are opaque to ordinary light.

Some types of high-energy electromagnetic radiation are harmful because they can change or break down the matter in their path, including changing atoms or breaking down molecules. This kind of radiation can damage the human body. Which types of radiation may be considered damaging? Select all that apply.

• Radio waves

• Visible light

• Ultraviolet

• Gamma rays

• X-rays