Abstract
open cage
A Faraday cage blocks long wavelength EM waves but does not block short wavelength EM waves.
Portable
Yes
Principles Illustrated
Shielding of electromagnetic waves by a screen enclosure depends on the wavelength of the EM waves and the size of the holes.
NCEA & Science Curriculum
Instructions
closed cage.
Set a radio tuned to an AM station on the base of the enclosure. Place the top over the radio and it stops playing. Repeat with an FM station which is stopped or at least dramatically reduced in strength. Both of these signals have wavelengths that are very large compared to the openings in the screen (metres for the FM signal, hundreds of metres for the AM signal). On the other hand, a cell phone signal (tenths of metres) passes through the screen. Have a student place her/his cell phone on the base and cover. Have another student call the cell phone and it will ring!
Safety
Individual teachers are responsible for safety in their own classes. Even familiar demonstrations should be practised and safety-checked by individual teachers before they are used in a classroom.
Related Resources
Teaching Resources
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References
PIRA 5B20.35
Credits
This teaching resource was developed with support from
The MacDiarmid Institute
Faculty of Science, Victoria University of Wellington
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington