The electromagnetic spectrum is the complete range of

electromagnetic wave frequencies and wavelengths.

• Do not need matter to transfer energy.
• Are made by vibrating electric charges and can travel
through space by transferring energy between vibrating
electric and magnetic fields.
• All EM waves travel 300,000 km/sec in space. (speed of
light-nature’s limit!)
• EM waves usually travel slowest in solids and fastest in
gases.
Electromagnetic radiation is emitted
from all matter with a temperature
above absolute zero.
- short wavelengths have a high frequency
- long wavelengths have a low frequency

- high frequency waves have high energy

- low frequency waves have low energy
Wavelength & Frequency: Inversely proportional
Wavelength & Energy: Inversely proportional
Frequency and Energy : directly proportional
 AM and FM Transmit radio and TV signals.
broadcast radio Antennae of a radio detects radio waves.
 Telephone and cellphones Broadband
Microwave
transmission Wireless Internet,
ovens Radar, GPS
Bluetooth headsets
Night vision Remote Thermal scanner
goggles (in airports)
controls
✓You see different wavelengths as colors.
✓Blue has shortest
✓Red is the longest
✓ Light looks white if all colors are present
 Synthesis of vitamin D Detectives use fluorescent powder
(absorbs UV & glows) to find fingerprints

Used to sterilize medical supplies &

Security images on money equipment
Airport security
Medical imaging
✓High Energy- penetrates through skin & muscle
✓Gamma Knife Surgery
✓Food irradiation
✓Cancer treatment