HS - PS4.B (B) - Wave Interactions In Matter - ASSIGNED (WND)

Module: Wave Interactions in Matter

DCI: PS4.B (B) When light or longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation is absorbed in matter, it is generally converted into thermal energy (heat). Shorter wavelength electromagnetic radiation (ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays) can ionize atoms and cause damage to living cells.

PE: HS-PS4-4 Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in publishing materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have when absorbed by matter.

[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the idea that photons associated with different frequencies of light have different energies, and the damage to living tissue from electromagnetic radiation depends on the energy of the radiation. Examples of published materials could include trade books, magazines, web resources, videos, and other passages that may reflect bias.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to qualitative descriptions.]

The ideas here are: 

- longer wavelengths of light is converted into heat energy when it is absorbed by matter. 

- shorter wavelengths can ionize atoms and cause damage to living cells

So, basically, students have to know that only the types of EM radiation on the shorter end of the spectrum (UV, Xrays, Gamma rays) can cause damage to living cells.  The longer types of EM radiation are not dangerous. 

Students should know that the difference in these types of EM radiation has to do with their different frequencies, and thus the activities of the photons of light.  (Those with shorter wavelengths, have a higher frequency and thus a higher energy to damage cells). 

Possible Questions;
"In order to determine whether a particular type of electromagnetic radiation can cause damage to living cells, which of the following pieces of information must be known?"

"Provide an EM spectrum... which of the following types of waves would be carrying photons with the highest energies?"