Electromagnetic
Waves & Spectrum
Uses of Electromagnetic Waves
Radio waves are used for television
and FM and AM radio broadcasts,
military communications, mobile
phones, ham radio, wireless computer
networks, and numerous other
communications applications.
Microwaves are most commonly used
in satellite communications, radar
signals, phones, and navigational
applications.
Infrared light is used by electrical
heaters, cookers for cooking food,
short-range communications like
remote controls, optical fibers, security
systems and thermal imaging cameras
which detect people in the dark.
Visible Light makes things able to be
seen and is used in fiber optic
communications, photography, and
electronic devices.
Antonio Ymanuel A. Baran
10 - Sapphire
Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves or EM waves
are waves that are created as a result
of vibrations between an electric field
and a magnetic field. In other words,
EM waves are composed of oscillating
magnetic and electric fields.
The Relationship Between
Wavelength, Frequency, and
Energy
The energy associated with EM
radiation is proportional to frequency
and inversely proportional to
wavelength. Thus, EM waves with
shorter wavelengths have more
energy.
Ultraviolet radiation is widely used in
industrial processes and in medical
and dental practices for a variety of
purposes, such as killing bacteria,
creating fluorescent effects, curing
inks and resins, phototherapy and sun
tanning. Different UV wavelengths and
intensities are used for different
purposes.
X-rays can be used to detect bone
fractures, certain tumors and other
abnormal masses, pneumonia, some
types of injuries, calcifications, foreign
objects, or dental problems.
Gamma rays are used in medicine
(radiotherapy), industry (sterilization
and disinfection) and the nuclear
industry.