ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

    The electromagnetic spectrum is the collective term for all types of frequencies and their linked wavelengths of the known photons. The electromagnetic spectrum extends from below the low frequencies used for modern radio communication to gamma radiation at a short wavelength.

    The electromagnetic waves travel with the speed of light in a vacuum. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of different portions of low frequencies (large wavelength and low energy) to high free frequency (short wave length and high energy). It extends from gamma rays to radio waves.

Electromagnetic radiation 

       Light used to "see" an object must have a wavelength about

the same size as or smaller than the object. Electromagnetic radiation needs a medium to travel. The heat from a burning fire, the light from the sun, the X-rays used by your doctor, as well as the energy used to cook food in a microwave are all forms of electromagnetic radiation.

electromagnetic radiations

Types of the electromagnetic radiations    

• Gamma radiation
• X-ray radiation
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Visible radiation
• Infrared radiation
• Terahertz radiation
• Microwave radiation
• Radio waves. 

    Diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum

 

electromagnetic spectrum

1. In the electromagnetic spectrum radio waves have a large wavelength and low energy or frequency.
2. On the other hand, gamma rays have short wavelengths and high energy or frequency.
3. We are able to see things in this world due to visible light, which is also the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum present between infrared and ultraviolet.
4. Electromagnetic radiation can be measured or expressed in terms of frequency, wavelength, and energy. Every element has its own unit.
5. Each type of electromagnetic radiation is used for different purposes. For example, X-rays are used to view the inside of the body, gamma rays are also used by doctors to see the inside of the body,  and microwaves are used in cooking utensils and cell phones etc.
6. Every electromagnetic radiation has its own source of production.