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Introduction To Electromagnetic Spectrum
Introduction To Electromagnetic Spectrum
Introduction To Electromagnetic Spectrum
Electromagnetic waves are energy waves that have both electric and magnetic fields. When these
electromagnetic waves are classified according to their increasing order of wavelength (or
decreasing order of frequency), they form the electromagnetic spectrum. Since these waves have
energy they are also called electromagnetic radiation.
The different wave types are Gamma Rays, X-Rays, Ultraviolet Rays, Visible Light Rays,
Infrared Rays, Microwaves and Radio Waves. Each of these waves have different properties and
uses, based on their wave characteristics like amplitude, wavelength, velocity, frequency and
period. The waves have been named according to the range of their wavelengths (or frequencies).
The only region of this spectrum which is sensitive to our eyes are the visible light rays which
range from near ultraviolet to far infrared, and therefore we can see the waves in this region.
Gamma rays, X-Rays and UV Rays have short wavelengths while infrared, microwaves and
radio waves have longer wavelengths.
It is not possible to pinpoint exact wavelengths of these radiations but they span over a range.
The table below summaries ranges of these radiations.