What is Electromagnetc Spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is defined as the distribution of a number of electromagnetic waves as a

function of wavelength, frequency, or wave number. The EM wave exhibits both wave-like and particle-
like properties. The behaviour of the longest wavelengths is dominated by wave characteristics,
whereas the behaviour of the short wavelengths X-rays and gamma rays is dominated by photon
aspects, yet the fundamental laws that govern all wavelengths apply to all of them. The wave-particle
duality concept that requires both wave and particle characteristics is most frequently encountered in
the optical range, a range where the waves are in or near the visible range.

The propagation of light is determined by its wave nature, which is analyzed using Maxwell’s equations.
On the other hand, the interaction with matter, which is determined by its particle nature, is analyzed
using quantum mechanics. The radiations of the electromagnetic spectrum are characterized by their
wavelength λ and frequency ν, which are related by,

where c is the velocity at which electromagnetic radiation propagates in free space, 3 × 108 m/s .The
electromagnetic spectrum exhibits very significant behavioural variations as the frequencies vary from
104 Hz for long radio waves (1 hertz equals one cycle per second) to more than 1021 Hz for commonly
encountered gamma rays, the highest energy cosmic gamma rays so far detected reach 1035 Hz (4 x
1020 eV).

The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, where radio
frequencies are placed at the longer end and cosmic rays at the shorter end of the spectrum. This
spectrum includes all forms of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared
radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, gamma rays, and their sub-ranges. All of these
forms of energy are part of the same spectrum, but they have different properties and applications,
including corresponding wavelengths.

The classification of the EM spectrum is based roughly on how the waves are produced or detected.
Description:
Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the
electromagnetic spectrum longer than infrared light. These waves are produced by
the accelerated motion of charges in conducting wires, cool clouds of gas, and the
cosmic microwave background. It can also be created artificially by applying electric
current to the antennas, which causes the antennas to vibrate, creating a wave of
electromagnetic energy that radiates outward from the antenna. The frequency of
the wave determines its wavelength, and the wavelength determines the type of
radio wave. Radio waves are used for variety of purposes, including communication
technologies such as radio and television broadcasting. Here are some of the most
common sub-ranges of radio waves:
Description

Microwave radiation is commonly referred to as "microwaves." They are short-wavelength radio waves with
frequencies in the gigahertz (GHz) range that have a slightly higher frequency than radio waves. In the
electromagnetic spectrum, they are located between radio waves and infrared radiation. Low-frequency radio
waves and microwaves both operate on the same fundamental principle. These waves are distinguished from
radio waves because of the technologies used to access them. They are produced by special vacuum tubes
(called klystrons, magnetrons, and Gunn diodes).

Microwaves that have a specific wavelength can travel through the earth's atmosphere and are useful in
transmitting information to and from satellites in orbit. The satellite dishes are therefore made of metal
since it effectively reflects microwaves. Certain frequencies of microwaves are absorbed by water, which is
useful in cooking. Wave phenomena such as diffraction, refraction, interference, and reflection can impact
the transmission of microwaves. It can pass through glass and plastic, which is why it is good to use a plastic
or glass container in a microwave oven.

These waves are a form of non-ionizing radiation, meaning they do not have enough energy to cause damage
to living cells. They are used in a variety of communication applications, such as radar systems, medical
imaging, and industrial processes such as drying and curing materials and heating. Microwave ovens use
microwaves to heat food quickly and evenly.
Description
Infrared radiation are a type of electromagnetic radiation that lies between visible light and microwaves in the
electromagnetic spectrum. They have a longer wavelength than visible light but a lower frequency than
microwaves. They are invisible to the human eye but can be detected by special instruments such as infrared
cameras. Infrared radiation is produced by all objects that have a temperature above absolute zero. The hotter
an object is, the more infrared radiation it emits.

Infrared radiation is used in a variety of applications, including:

 Medical imaging
 Night vision goggles and cameras
 Remote sensing
Description
Visible light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. The small portion of this
electromagnetic spectrum is produced by the sun, stars, and other sources of light. They are also produced by
electric sparks, fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs, and other sources of artificial light. This
electromagnetic spectrum is made up of different colors of the rainbow, each with its own wavelength. Red has the
longest wavelength, while violet has the shortest.

Visible light is also used in many scientific and technological applications. They are used in microscopes to magnify
objects and in telescopes to observe distant objects in space. They are also used in fiber optics, which is a
technology used to transmit data over long distances. The visible spectrum can be further divided into several sub-
ranges based on the different colors that make up the visible light spectrum:
Description
Ultraviolet (UV) radiations are a type of electromagnetic radiation that lies between visible light and X-rays on
the electromagnetic spectrum. They have a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than visible light. These
are invisible to the human eye but can be detected by certain types of sensors. UV radiation are produced
naturally by the sun and can also be produced by artificial sources such as tanning beds and welding arcs.

Exposure to UV radiation can have both positive and negative effects on human health. On the positive side, UV
radiation helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. On the negative
side, too much exposure to UV radiation can cause sunburns, skin cancer, and eye damage.

This spectrum can be further divided into three sub-ranges:

Description
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light, radio waves, and
gamma rays, which have a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than ultraviolet
radiation. These rays were discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen. He
noticed that a fluorescent screen near a cathode ray tube glowed when the tube was turned
on. He called the mysterious rays “X-rays” because they were unknown at the time.They
have a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than visible light, and they have the ability
to penetrate solid objects. These rays have applications including:

 Medical applications
 In industry for inspecting materials and detecting flaws
 To detect security threats

Here are some of the most common sub-ranges of X-rays:

Description
Gamma rays are defined as electromagnetic radiation with the highest frequency and shortest
wavelengths. They do not have distinct sub-ranges and are the most energetic form of light. They are
produced by a variety of sources, including cosmic rays, radioactive decay, and the explosion of
nuclear reactions. These can also be produced as a result of some medical treatments, such as
radiation therapy.
Hazard and Risk