Electromagnetic Spectrum in a Nutshell

Electromagnetic spectrum is the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which

electromagnetic radiation extends. This spectrum includes:
1. Gamma Ray
λ= 1.0 X 10-11 m
Source: Radioactive matter
2. X-Ray
λ= 1.0 X 10-9 m
Source: X-ray tube
Produced due to the rapid deceleration of electrons by a metal target
in an X-ray tube
3. Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)
λ= 1.0 X 10-7 m
Source: Mercury lamp
4. Visible Light (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet)
λViolet= 4.0 X 10-7 m
λRed= 7.0 X 10-7 m
Source: Sun
5. Infrared Radiation
λ= 1.0 X 10-5 m
Source: Electric fire

Below 500°C => hot, not glowing: emits only IR Increasing Decreasing
wavelength wavelength
At about 500°C => red hot, glowing: emits IR and red light
& &
At about 1500°C => white hot: emits IR and white light Decreasing Increasing

frequency frequency

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 6. Microwave Radiation
λ= 0.01 m
Source: Microwave oven
7. Radio Waves
λ= 1000 m
Source: Transmitting radio and TV aerials

Because of its electrical origin, its ability to travel in vacuum and its wave like
properties, electromagnetic radiations are regarded as progressive transverse
waves. They are a combination of travelling electric and magnetic fields. The
fields vary in value and are at right angles to each other. They all have certain
properties in common which include:
1. All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light, which is 3.0 X 10 8
m/s, in vacuum. Their speed in air is approximately equal to their speed in
vacuum.
2. They exhibit reflection, refraction and diffraction and is transverse in
nature.
3. They obey the wave equation which is speed=frequency x wavelength. As
speed is constant, a larger frequency means smaller wavelength and vice
versa.
4. They are able to carry energy from one place to another. This property can
be utilized by making them absorb energy and give off a heating effect.

Some of the uses and dangers of electromagnetic radiations are mentioned in table
below:
Sl. Electromagnetic Uses Dangers
Radiation
1. Gamma Ray • Diagnose and kill cancer • Can cause ionization of
• Kill harmful bacteria in atoms in cells
food and on surgical • Mutation or damage
equipment. • Over exposure can cause
cancer

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 • Gamma-ray photography
is used to image the
distribution of cancer
cells.
• Engineers use gamma-
ray photography to
detect damage and flaws
in metals.
2. X-Ray • In medical purposes to Same as gamma rays
detect broken bones.
• Used in radiotherapy in
high doses to kill
cancerous cells.
• Used in small doses in
security machines in
airports for security
scans.
• In engineering, X-ray
imaging is used to detect
cracks and flaws in
metals.
3. Ultraviolet They glow by re-radiating • Causes ionization
the energy they gain as • Can cause cancer if
light they absorb as UV. absorbed in high doses
• This effect is used by
banks to detect
“invisible signature”.
This helps to detect fake
bank notes.
• Water and medical
equipment are sterilized
using UV.
4. Visible Light • Used by humans to form • Over-exposure may lead
an image of the to blindness.
surrounding and see the
world.
• Illumination
• Photography

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 • Used in cameras and
optical instruments
(microscope, telescope)
5. Infrared • Used in thermal imaging • Burns to the skin
cameras, enabling • Eye damage
photos to be taken in the
dark. If intensity is high
• Intruder alarm
• Remote control

• Infrared sensors are used

in aircrafts and satellites
for:
• Weather forecasting
• Monitoring of land use
• Assessing energy loss
• Locating victims of an
earthquake
6. Microwave • International • Can cause heating of soft
communication tissues in the body
• Mobile phone networks. • Damage or even kill cells
• Wireless application
(e.g. Bluetooth)
• Heating
• Cooking
7. Radio Wave • Used to carry sound, • Heating of biological
images and other data tissue
over long distances. • Increase in body
• Radio telescopes are temperature
used by astronomers to
pick up radio signals
from stars and galaxies.

_______________________________END_______________________________
Compiled by: Abidur Rahman
Source: Hodder Education Cambridge
O Level Physics

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