Electromagnetic Radiation & the Spectrum

 Electromagnetic radiation spans over a wide range of different wavelengths and frequencies The wavelengths are a distance measured in meters. Frequency is the number of waves that pass in a given amount of time. The frequency is measured in hertz (Hz).

Shorter Wavelength = Higher Frequency 

Longer Wavelength = Lower Frequency

Radio Waves

Radio waves are in the lowest range of the EM spectrum. These are primarily used for communication purposes including voice and entertainment media. Radio waves have frequencies of up to about 30 billion  hertz and wavelengths greater than around 10 millimeters. 

Microwaves

On the EM spectrum, microwaves fall between radio wave and infrared. They are most commonly used as the heat source for microwave ovens and other appliances. Microwaves can also be used for high-bandwidth communications and radar. 

Infrared 

Infrared is on the EM spectrum between microwaves and visible light. The light produced from infrared light is invisible to the human eye, however, we can feel it int he form of heat if it is intense enough. Infrared has frequencies in the range of about 30 trillion hertz to about 400 trillion hertz. 

Visible Light

On the EM spectrum, visible light falls in the middle, between infrared and ultraviolet. Visible light is defined as the wavelengths that are visible to most human eyes. These light waves can be reflected or absorbed through various materials. Colors exist at different wavelengths based on their energy. These colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. 

Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet light falls on the EM spectrum between visible light and x-rays. UV light is part of sunlight, but it is invisible to the human eye. UV light has the potential to cause damage to tissue, but it has numerous applications in the medical and industrial fields.

X-Rays

X-rays can be classified into two different categories: soft and hard. Soft x-rays are located on the EM spectrum between UV light and gamma rays. Hard rays are understood to be in the same region as gamma rays on the spectrum. The only difference between hard x-rays and gamma rays is their source. X-rays are produced by electrons, while gamma rays are produced by atomic nuclei.

Gamma Rays

Gamma rays are at the furthest end of the EM spectrum above x-rays. Gamma radiations is very dangerous as it can cause extreme damage to living tissue. This, however, does make it useful for killing cancer cells when it is applied carefully and in small doses. It is important to be careful though as uncontrolled exposure is extremely dangerous to humans.

Gamma rays and x-rays are the electromagnetic waves with the most energy. This causes them to have the ability to penetrate matter early. They have the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies. Radio waves have the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies. They also have the least amount of energy which helps to prevent them from being very dangerous. 

Sources:

Image 1: https://www.toyo-chem.com/en/products/electronics/column/emishield.html

Image 2: https://www.miniphysics.com/electromagnetic-spectrum_25.html

Information: https://www.livescience.com/38169-electromagnetism.html