Quarter 2 – Module 2:

Practical Applications of EM Waves

Lesson 1 Radio and Microwaves in

Wireless Communication

In this lesson, you will be able to learn that radio wave and microwave are applied
in wireless communications among others.
Did you send text messages to somebody today? Or have you watch shows on your favorite TV
shows? You have learned that electromagnetic wave is applied in wireless communications among others.
In the succeeding discussions, you will venture into how this wave is used in sending information
and messages and how wireless communication has affected people’s daily affairs.
What’s New
Activity 1: I am a Product of…
Directions: Look at the picture below and state whether each application used radio wave or microwave. Write your
answer on the separate sheet of paper.

Cartoon Network FM Studio

1. ______________ 2. _____________

RADAR Oven

3.________________ 4. ______________
What is It
Applications of Radio Waves and Microwaves in Wireless Communication Radio Communication
Today, conversations, data and even music can be transmitted through air over millions of kilometers
because of radio waves. Wireless communication has become possible through transmission and reception of
these radio waves. Remember, radio waves can be transmitted through empty space!
Radio waves have the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum. They are
produced by making electrons vibrate in an antenna.
Medium and high frequency waves are used for broadcasting by local radio stations. In a radio station,
sound is converted by a microphone into patterns of electric current variations called audio-frequency (AF)
signals. High frequency radio waves called radiofrequency (RF) carriers can be modulated to match the
electronic signal. In amplitude modulation (AM), the amplitude of the radio waves (RF carrier) changes to match
that of the audio-frequency (AF) signal. This is used in standard broadcasting because it can be sent over long
distances. Very high frequency waves provide a higher quality broadcasting including stereo sound. In this
process, instead of the amplitude of the RF carrier, it is the frequency of the waves that changes to match that of
the signal. This is called frequency modulation (FM). When the radio wave is received by the antenna of a radio
or television, the pattern is converted back to its original form. The sound portions of most television broadcasts
are carried as AM waves while the picture portions are carried as FM waves. They are used to transmit sound
and picture information over long distances.
Radio waves have a very wide range of wavelengths. The whole region of the radio waves is divided
into smaller regions of wavebands. Each waveband is allocated by law to a specific radio service.

Low frequency waves are suitable for communication over great distance. But the curvature of the
earths limits the range to about 80 km. To extend the range, a repeater is used. The repeater receives the signal

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 and re-transmits it to the receiving station. High frequency waves can be reflected by the ionosphere. This
enables the waves to be transmitted over great distances.

Did you know…

Frequency is an important characteristics of radio wave. AM broadcast frequency is about
1,000,000 cycles per second (Hertz). For example,
when you tune in to your favorite AM radio station at 630 on the dial, the radio is tuning to
the radio wave with the frequency of 630,000 cycles
per second! On th other hand, FM radio operates on 100,000,000 cycles per second. So
when you turn to 101.1 FM, your radio is tuning to 101,100,000 cycles per second
frequency.

Applications of Microwaves
1. Satellite Communication
We know for a fact that radio waves travel in straight line. Why then are we able
to receive messages or information from other parts of the world?
First, let’s take a short review of some facts we learned in earth science. One layer of the atmosphere is
composed of ionized gases. This layer is called ionosphere. The high frequency waves penetrate into the ionosphere and
to the space. Therefore, communication satellites are used to reflect these waves back to earth which are then captured by
the receiving antennas. Communication satellites travel around the earth at an altitude of 35, 000 km above the equator.
They move at a speed of 11,300 km/h and revolve around the earth every 24 hours, the same rate as the rotation of the
earth. This makes them appear stationary when seen on Earth. Antennae are mounted to point in fixed directions towards
these satellites.
Microwaves can penetrate the atmosphere of the earth. This is the reason why they are used for satellite
communications. Microwaves signal to an antenna in other parts of the world. This is how we communicate with the
rest of the world.
Most communication satellites are used to send and receive radio signals for telephone services while the rest
are for television broadcasting, scientific research and weather forecast.
2. RADAR
Microwaves have short wavelengths and are reflected by small objects. This property is used in radars.
RADAR is an acronym of Radio Detection and Ranging. A radar system is consisting of an antenna, transmitter, and a
receiver. The antenna whirls around continuously to scan the surrounding area. The transmitter sends out a narrow beam
of microwaves in short pulses. A distant objects reflects some of the signal back to the receiver. The direction to which
the signal was received gives the direction of the object. The distance of the object can be calculated from the time lag
between the transmitted pulse and the reflected pulse.
3. Terrestrial Communication
Do you notice that a lot of people now resort to Cable TV for news, entertainment and educational programs?
CATV or cable TV is now used because of its wide range of channels and clearer sound and picture. Moreover, some
cable companies provide internet access to users. How does this amazing CATV work?
Microwaves are used to transmit television news coverage from mobile broadcast vehicles back to the station.
The news crew can also set up a small antenna to send signals to a communication satellite. This is how news are
broadcasted and watched live around the world.
A cell phone is a radio transmitter and receiver that uses microwaves. Cell phone is a
very sophisticated radio, but still a radio nonetheless. It is today’s answer to the emerging demand for mobile
communication. Cellular phones depend on overlapping network of cells or areas of land several kilometers in diameter.
Each cell has its tower that receives and sends microwaves signals.
Other Applications of Microwave
Microwave Oven
In a microwave oven, foods absorb certain microwave frequencies very strongly. The microwaves penetrate the
food being heated. it will agitate the water molecules within the food, thus creating molecular friction which then
produces heat that will cook it.

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What’s More
Activity 2: My Uses!
Directions: Below are the applications of radio waves and microwaves. You have to fill in the table below
by stating the types of EM waves and its uses. Write your answer on the separate sheet of paper.

Type of EM Applications Uses

Waves

Weather forecasting

FM Radio

RADAR

Microwave Oven

Cable TV

What I Have Learned

Check your understanding!
1. What is the difference between AM radio waves and FM radio waves?
2. How does satellite communication and terrestrial communication differ?
What I Can Do
1. What is your favorite FM station?
2. What frequency does your radio tune to when you dial this station?
Assessment
Check your understanding!
Directions: Choose the correct answer and write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following forms of electromagnetic waves is used mostly in communication?
A. Gamma ray C. Radio wave
B. Infrared D. X-ray
2. This wave produced by making electrons vibrate in an antenna.
A. Infrared C. Radio wave
B. Microwave D. X-ray
3. Which of the following energy transformations occur at the receiving station?
A. Sound energy to electrical energy
B. Electromagnetic energy to sound energy
C. Electrical energy to electromagnetic energy
D. Electromagnetic energy to electrical energy
4. Satellite Communication is an application of what type of wave?
A. Infrared B. Microwave C. Radio wave D. X-ray
5. Which type of radio wave is used to broadcast FM station?
A. Infrared B. Microwave C. Radio wave D. X-ray

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 The Application of Invisible Heat, Visible
Lesson 2 Light and Energetic Light

In this particular lesson, you will be able to learn that most of the EM waves are detectable and can be
seen in our naked eyes. The succeeding activities and discussions, you will cite some practical applications of
infrared, visible light and ultraviolet light and how these waves had affected people’s daily living.

What’s New
Cell phones are very familiar. You can talk to your friend in another country using this small gadget and you
feel like she/he is just around the corner. Cell phones along with other telecommunication devices have made distance
immaterial. Wireless communication has made the world smaller!
The next activity will give you an idea about infrared wave.
Activity 3: Guess What!
Directions: Look at the pictures below. Guess what type of EM waves do they belong. Write the word
infrared, visible light or UV light on the space provided on the separate sheet of paper.

1. Rainbow 2. Remote Control

__________________________ _________________________

4.
Photosynthesis
3. Bulb
__________________________ _____________________________

5. Thermal Camera
_________________________________

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What is It
Applications of Infrared, Visible Light and UV lights
 The Invisible Heat
Infrared waves are in the lower-middle range of frequencies in the EM spectrum. Infrared radiation lies
beyond the red end of the visible light. The size of infrared waves ranges from a few millimeters down to microscopic
lengths. The longer-wavelength infrared waves produce heat and include radiation emitted by fire, the sun and other
heat-producing objects; shorter-wavelength infrared rays do not produce much heat and are used in remote controls
and imaging technologies. The amount and wavelength of radiation depend on temperature. Below 5000C, an object
emits only infrared radiation. Above 5000C, an object glows and emits both infrared and visible light.
The difference in color determine the differences in temperature. For examples shades of blue and green
indicate regions of colder temperature; and red and yellow indicate warmer temperature.
The human eye is not sensitive to the infrared light used by television remote controls. To send a signal to a
television, remote controls often use a diode that emits light. Some digital cameras have filters to block near-infrared
light, but most can detect it. It shows up on the screen as if it were visible light. When you press a button on the
remote control, the camera may show a pulsing light emitted by the remote.
The following are some useful applications of Infrared radiation:
1. Infrared photographs taken from a satellite with special films provide useful details of the vegetation on the Earth’s
surface.
2. Infrared scanners are used to show the temperature variation of the body. This can be used for medical diagnosis.
3. Infrared remote controls
4. Infrared camera has transmitter that sends out infrared pulses.
5. A night-vision google.
Applications of Visible Light
When white light passes through a prism, it is separated into its constituent colors: the red, orange, yellow,
green, blue, indigo and violet. These colors do not distinctly separate but they continuously change from red to violet.
Red color has the longest wavelength from among these colors and violet has the shortest.
Our eyes are sensitive to electromagnetic waves of wavelengths that ranges from 4x10-7 m to 7x10-7 m. this
is the range of white light. Thus the spectrum of white light is therefore called the visible spectrum.
Visible light is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which green plant makes food. Other forms of
life eat either green plants or animals that have eaten green plant. Forms of energy taken from the sun used by plants
and microorganisms million years ago are locked up in coal and oil used as energy resources today.
Production of light
There are several which in which a lum1in4ous object can be made to give off energy in the form of light. A
luminous object can produce incandescent light, fluorescent light and neon light.
a. Incandescent Light is form of light produced by heat. Ordinary light bulbs in your home are incandescent. They
produce light when electricity is applied to them. Inside the glass bulb of a light bulb is a thin wire filament made of
metal tungsten. Tungsten can be heated to over 20000C without melting.
b. Fluorescent Light is cooler and uses much less energy than incandescent light. Instead of being used up to build up
heat, electrons in fluorescent lights are used to bombard molecules of gas kept at low pressure in a tube. The color
that a fluorescent bulb produces depends on the phosphors used.
c. Neon Light can be seen in thin glass tubes of brightly colored lights. It is similar to fluorescent light in that it is cool
light. When electrons pass through the glass tubes filled with certain gases, light is produced. The most common
type of gas used is neon gas which produced bright red. If other gases are added, however, different colors are
produced.
Application of Ultraviolet Radiation the Heat Energy
Ultraviolet radiation lies just beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum. Ultraviolet waves have shorter
wavelengths than the visible light and carry more energy.
What’s More
The sun is our main source of ultraviolet radiation but there are also artificial sources of UV light.
Ultraviolet radiation in UV lamps are used by banks to check the signature on a passbook. The signature is marked on
the passbook with fluorescent ink. It becomes visible when viewed under an UV lamp. These lamps are also used to
identify fake banknotes.
UV radiation is also used in sterilizing water from drinking fountains. Some washing powder also contains
fluorescent chemicals which glow in sunlight. This makes your shirt look whiter than white light in daylight.
UV radiation in sunlight produces vitamin D in the skin and gives us tanning effect.
Activity 4: My Functions!
Directions: Below are the applications of infrared, visible light and UV light. You have to fill in the table
below by stating the types of EM waves and its uses. Write your answer on the separate sheet of paper.

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 Type of EM Waves Applications Uses

Photosynthesis
Remote Control
Fluorescent Bulb
Banknotes
Infrared scanner
Check your understanding!
1. How can infrared radiation be detected if cannot be seen?
2. What is meant by visible spectrum?
What I Can Do
Apply what you have learned!
1. Suppose you are building an incubator and you need a source of heat. Would you use an incandescent or
fluorescent light bulb? Explain your answer.
Assessment
Directions: Choose the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What electromagnetic wave is sometimes called the invisible heat ray?
A. Gamma ray B. Infrared C. Radio wave D. Visible light
2. What form of radiation that lies beyond the red end and the visible light?
A. Infrared B. Ultraviolet C. Visible light D. X-ray
3. Sterilization of water from a drinking fountain is an application of what type of EM waves?

Application of Penetrating
Lesson 3
Radiation and Nuclear Energy

In this particular lesson, you will be able to learn that in the EM spectrum, the longer the wavelength in
the EM waves, the higher its frequency, thus, the more amount of energy it has.
In the succeeding activities and discussions, you will cite some practical applications of X-rays and
Gamma rays and how these waves had affected people’s daily living.
What’s New
Activity 5: Guess What!
Directions: Classify whether the following picture below are examples of X-ray or Gamma ray. Write the answer on
a separate sheet of paper.

Bone Supernova

Radiotherapy
What Is It
Radiation is energy in the process of being transmitted. It may take such forms as light, or tiny particles
much too small to see. Visible light, the ultra-violet light we receive from the sun, and transmission signals for
TV and radio communications are all forms of radiation that are common in our daily lives. These are all
generally referred to as 'nonionizing' radiation, though at least some ultra-violet radiation is considered to be
ionizing.

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 Radiation particularly associated with nuclear medicine and the use of nuclear energy, along with X-
rays, is 'ionizing' radiation, which means that the radiation has sufficient energy to interact with matter,
especially the human body, and produce ions, i.e. it can eject an electron from an atom.
Applications of X-Ray (Penetrating Radiation)
X-rays come just after the ultraviolet rays. They are shorter wavelength but carries higher energy than the
UV.
X-rays are produced using an X-ray tube. They are emitted when fast moving electrons hit a metal target.
X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895.
Long wavelength X-rays can penetrate the flesh but not the bones. They are used in X-ray photography
to help doctors look inside the body. They are useful in diagnosing bone fractures and tumors.
Short wavelength X-rays can penetrate even through metals. They are used in industry to inspect welded
joints for faults.
Applications of Gamma Rays (Nuclear Energy)
Gamma rays lie at the other end of the electromagnetic spectrum. They are shortest in wavelength and highest in
frequency. Gamma rays are emitted by only the most energetic cosmic objects such pulsars, neutron stars,
supernova and black holes. Terrestrial sources include lightning, nuclear explosions and radioactive decay.
Gamma wave wavelengths are measured on the subatomic level and can actually pass through the
empty space within an atom. Gamma rays can destroy living cells; fortunately, the Earth's atmosphere absorbs
any gamma rays that reach the planet.
What’s More
They carry the highest amount of energy, thus, they are more dangerous. They can also be blocked with
lead and thick concrete. Gamma rays are very strong that they can kill living cells. Gamma rays are used to treat
cancer through the process called radiotherapy. They are also used for sterilization of drinking water.
Activity 6: Application and Its Uses!
Directions: Write down some applications of X-rays and Gamma rays using the concept map below. Write the
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Concept Map
EM Waves

X -ray Gamma Ray

(definition ) (definition )

Write some Write some

applications applications

Uses Uses

What I Have Learned

Check your understanding!

1. Which carry more energy X-ray or gamma ray?

2. What is radiotherapy?

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Assessment

1. What is the purpose of applying sunscreen lotion in your skin?

Directions: Classify the following applications as X-ray or gamma ray. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.
1. Nuclear Energy
2. Diagnosis of bone fracture
3. Cancer treatment
4. CT Scanner
5. Radiotherapy
Summary:
 Waves in the EM spectrum include the following from the longest wavelength to the shortest wavelength
1. Radio wave
2. Microwave
3. Infrared
4. Visible light
5. Ultraviolet
6. X-ray
7. Gamma ray
 The order shows the increasing frequency and energy of the EM waves.
 The regions in the electromagnetic spectrum have various uses and applications as follows:
EM waves Applications/Uses

Radio wave Radio and television communication

Microwave Satellite communication, terrestrial communications, RADAR,

microwave oven

Infrared Remote control, infrared scanner, night- vision google,

autofocus camera, thermogram

Visible light Photosynthesis, artificial lighting, optical fibers in medical uses,

screen of electronic devices

Ultraviolet Ray Sterilization of water from drinking fountain, check signatures

on a passbook, used to identify fake banknotes

X-ray Medical use, engineering applications Gamma ray Medical

treatment, radiotherapy, nuclear reactions.

Unit Test
DIRECTIONS: Choose the CAPITAL LETTER of the correct answer and write the chosen letter on a separate
sheet of paper.
1. Which of the following forms of electromagnetic waves is used mostly in communication?
A.Gamma ray B. Infrared C. Radio wave D. X-ray
2. Substance that glow when exposed to ultraviolet light are called
A.Neon B. Phosphors C. photoelectric D. Photons
3. Which of the following animals can see ultraviolet light?
A. Dog B. Human C. Insect D. Monkey
4. This wave produced by making electrons vibrate in an antenna.
A. Infrared B. Microwave C. Radio wave D. X-ray

5. Which of the following energy transformations occur at the receiving station?

A. Sound energy to electrical energy 8
 B. Electromagnetic energy to sound energy
C. Electrical energy to electromagnetic energy
D. Electromagnetic energy to electrical energy
6. Which type of radio wave is used to broadcast FM station?
A. Low Frequency C. Ultra High Frequency
B. Extremely High Frequency D. Very High Frequency
7. The main source of UV light.
A. Fluorescent light B. Incandescent light C. Sun D. UV lamp
8. Satellite Communication is an application of what type of wave?
A. Infrared B. Microwave C Radio wave. D. X-ray
9. Which of the following forms of electromagnetic waves is used in sterilization of medical equipment?
A. Gamma ray B. Microwave C. Ultraviolet D. X-ray
10. Light produced from heat is called
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A. Fluorescent light C. Neon lights
B. Illuminated light D. Incandescent light
11. The photosynthesis is a process by which green plants make food. This process used what type of EM waves?
A. Gamma ray B. Microwave C. Ultraviolet D. Visible light
12. This form of EM wave is useful in diagnosing bone fracture and tumors.
A. Gamma ray B. UV light C. Visible light D. X-ray
13. This EM wave is emitted by stars and some radioactive substances.
A. Gamma ray C. Visible light
B. UV light D. X-ray
14. This type of EM wave is also called the penetrating radiation.
A. Microwave C. UV light
B. Radio wave D. X-ray
15. Form of EM wave that is useful in nuclear engineering.
A. Gamma ray B. Microwave C. UV light D. X-ray

Answer Keys

Assessment L esson 3 L esson 2 L esson 1