Electromagnetic Spectrum EMS 1 Electromagnetic Spectrum Types of

Electromagnetic Spectrum “EMS” 1

Electromagnetic Spectrum Types of radiation that travel in waves n 7 types of EM radiation (from lowest to highest frequencies) n n n n Radio Microwaves Infrared Visible Light Ultraviolet X-rays Gamma

Electromagnetic Spectrum

EMS n High-frequency electromagnetic waves have a short wavelength and high energy n Low-frequency waves have a long wavelength and low energy

Radio Waves n RF refers to that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in which electromagnetic waves can be generated by an alternating current fed to an antenna n Emitted by radio stations, televisions, stars, submarines, avalanche beacons, heart monitors, & wireless LAN

Microwaves n Microwaves have wavelengths approximately in the range of 30 cm to 1 mm n Easily absorbed by water n Used in radar, Bluetooth, and YES…your microwave oven!

Infrared n The name literally means “below red” n Used by military for night vision, target acquisition, & tracking n Also used for short range wireless communication, & weather forecasting n Associated with heat

Visible Light n Visible Light (part of the spectrum you can see) n Wavelengths range from 400 nm to 700 nm (4. 00 x 10 -7 m to 7. 00 x 10 -7 m) n Longest wavelength = red n Shortest wavelength = violet n 1 nm = 1 x 10 -9 m

Ultraviolet Waves n The name means “beyond violet” n Used for tanning, treating psoriasis, & production of Vitamin D (UVB) n Some animals (bees) can see UV rays n Divided into three groups UVA – blacklight n UVB – medium wave n UVC – germicidal n

X-rays n. A wavelength in the range of 10 to 0. 01 nanometers n Used for imaging bones, radiotherapy, & astronomy

Gamma Rays Produced from sub-atomic particle interaction n Most are generated from nuclear reactions n Wavelength ranges from 10 -11 m to 10 -14 m n Used for finding cracks in metals, sterilization of medical equipment, CAT scans, & created The Incredible Hulk n