THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

Electromagnetic radiation – all forms of radiant energy: visible light,

infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, radio waves, X-rays, etc.

Electromagnetic spectrum – refers to the whole range of wavelengths

of visible and invisible electromagnetic radiation

Other than wavelength, the different forms of EMR are similar:

 They all travel at the speed of light.
 They all travel in straight lines.
 They all can be reflected and refracted.

Electromagnetic Spectrum (from longest wavelength to shortest and

from less energy to more):

1. Radio waves – EMR used in communication around the world

2. Microwaves – EMR used to cook food and transmit audio and

video signals

3. Infrared Waves – they are invisible but can be felt as heat

4. Visible Light – colors in a rainbow

5. Ultraviolet (UV) Light – too much ultraviolet radiation can

increase the risk of skin cancer

6. X-rays – can be used to make images of the interior of the body

7. Gamma Rays – used to treat some types of cancer