Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of frequencies (the spectrum) of

electromagnetic radiation and their respective wavelengths and photon energies. The
electromagnetic spectrum covers electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from below
one hertz to above 1025 hertz, corresponding to wavelengths from thousands of kilometers down
to a fraction of the size of an atomic nucleus. This frequency range is divided into separate
bands, and the electromagnetic waves within each frequency band are called by different names;
beginning at the low frequency (long wavelength) end of the spectrum these are: radio waves,
microwaves, terahertz waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays at the
high-frequency (short wavelength) end. The electromagnetic waves in each of these bands have
different characteristics, such as how they are produced, how they interact with matter, and their
practical applications. The limit for long wavelengths is the size of the universe itself, while it is
thought that the short wavelength limit is in the vicinity of the Planck length. Gamma rays, X-
rays, and high ultraviolet are classified as ionizing radiation as their photons have enough energy
to ionize atoms, causing chemical reactions. Exposure to these rays can be a health hazard,
causing radiation sickness, DNA damage and cancer. Radiation of visible light wavelengths and
lower are called nonionizing radiation as they cannot cause these effects. In most of the
frequency bands above, a technique called spectroscopy can be used to physically separate waves
of different frequencies, producing a spectrum showing the constituent frequencies.
Spectroscopy is used to study the interactions of electromagnetic waves with matter. Other
technological uses are described under electromagnetic radiation.

The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is the range of all types of EM radiation. Radiation
is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes – the visible light that comes from a lamp in your
house and the radio waves that come from a radio station are two types of electromagnetic
radiation. The other types of EM radiation that make up the electromagnetic spectrum are
microwaves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, X-rays and gamma-rays.

The electromagnetic spectrum shown with familiar sources:

Radio: Your radio captures radio waves emitted by radio stations, bringing your favorite tunes.
Radio waves are also emitted by stars and gases in space.

Microwave: Microwave radiation will cook your popcorn in just a few minutes, but is also used
by astronomers to learn about the structure of nearby galaxies.

Infrared: Night vision goggles pick up the infrared light emitted by our skin and objects with
heat. In space, infrared light helps us map the dust between stars.
Visible: Our eyes detect visible light. Fireflies, light bulbs, and stars all emit visible light.

Ultraviolet: Ultraviolet radiation is emitted by the Sun and are the reason skin tans and burns.
"Hot" objects in space emit UV radiation as well.

X-ray: A dentist uses X-rays to image your teeth, and airport security uses them to see through
your bag. Hot gases in the Universe also emit X-rays.

Gamma ray: Doctors use gamma-ray imaging to see inside your body. The biggest gamma-ray
generator of all is the Universe.