Gamma Ray Basics

Light Behavior:

Absorption

• Light is reflected off the surface of an object.

• Light is taken in as wavelengths of energy.

• Light is scattered in different directions.

• Light is transformed into heat energy.

Ultraviolet Rays

(UV)

• A type of electromagnetic radiation with less energy than visible light.

• A type of electromagnetic radiation with more energy than visible light but less than X-rays.

• A type of radiation that is completely harmless to human skin.

• A type of radiation that is stronger than gamma rays.

Translucent Materials

• Some light can pass through the object. Examples: Sunglasses, wax paper.

• Completely block light. Examples: Wood, metal.

• Allow all light to pass through. Examples: Clear glass, water.

• Reflect light without allowing it to pass through. Examples: Mirrors, polished surfaces.

X-Rays

• A type of electromagnetic radiation with high energy, but less than gamma rays. Used to take pictures of bones.

• A type of sound wave used in medical imaging.

• A form of visible light used in photography.

• A type of radiation that is only used in cancer treatment.

Light Behavior:

Reflection

• Light passes through an object without any change.

• Light hits the surface of an object and bounces off.

• Light is absorbed by the object and converted to heat.

• Light is scattered in multiple directions by the object.

Radio waves

• A type of electromagnetic wave with short wavelengths and high energy.

• A type of electromagnetic wave that has long wavelengths and lower energy than infrared rays.

• A type of sound wave used in communication.

• A type of wave that can only travel through a vacuum.

Microwaves

• a type of electromagnetic wave that have shorter wavelengths than radio waves but longer than infrared waves.

• a type of mechanical wave used in sound systems.

• a type of ultraviolet wave that is used in tanning beds.

• a type of visible light that is used in photography.

Opaque Materials

• Light can pass through these materials.

• Examples include glass and water.

• No light can pass through the material.

• Examples include air and plastic.

Transparent Materials

• Almost all light can pass through the object. Examples: Windows and water

• Only some light can pass through the object. Examples: Frosted glass and wax paper

• No light can pass through the object. Examples: Wood and metal

• Light can pass through but is distorted. Examples: Textured glass and stained glass

Light Behavior:

Refraction

• Light is absorbed by the object.

• Light moves through the object but changes direction.

• Light is reflected off the surface of the object.

• Light does not interact with the object.