Different Types of ElectromagnP.

tic Waves
Wavelength
Type Production Detection
range
Radiowave >0.1 m Rapid acceleration Rec.e.~ver's aertaJs
and decelerations of
electrons in aerials
Microwave 0.1 m to Klystron valve or Point contact diodes
1 mm magnetron valve
Infrared Wave 1 mm to Vibration of atoms Thermoptles
700 nm and molecules Bolometer, Infrared
photographic film
Light 700 nm to Electrons in atoms The eye
400 nm emit light when they Photocells
move from one Photographic film
energy level to a
lower energy level

Ultraviolet 400 nm to Inner shell electrons Photocells

rays 1 nm in atoms moving Photographic film
tram one energy
level to a tower levet
X-rays 1 nm to X-ray tubes or inner Photographic fifm
10....s nm shell electrons Gaige< tubes
lon,satron chamber

Gamma rays < 10-a nm Radioactive decay ot

-do.-
the nucteus
258

Visible Rays
Radiowaves
Radio waves are produced due to oscillating
charge particles. This frequency varies from
·
It is that part of spectrum which is visible by human eyewh· h
14
from 4 x 10 14 Hz to 8 X 10 Hz.
ic ran.
-oci
I
500 kHz to 1000 MHz. Uses ofvisible rays are gi,ven beww
Visible rays are used by the optic organs of humans and anill!aJs £
1
Uses ofradiowaves are gi,ven beww
(,) Used in AM (Amplitude Modulation) three primary purposes. or
from 530 kHz to 1710 kHz. It is used in (t) To see things, avoid bumping into them, and escape danger.
ground wave propagation. {it) To find stuff to eat.
(ii) Used in 1V waves ranging from 54 MHz (iit) To ~nd other living things with which to conson so as to prolongthc
to 890 MHz. species.
(iii) Used in FM (Frequency Modulation)
ranging from 88 MHz to 108 MHz. Ultraviolet Rays
(iv) UHF (Ultra High Frequency) waves are B?
. It is discovered by Ritter in 1 1. 1:7V' rays are produced by Special
used in cellular phones. lamps and very hot bodies. The sun 1s an important source of UV rays but
fortunately absorbed by ozone layer. Its frequency ranges &om
Microwaves 10 14 to 10
16
Hz.
Microwaves are called short wavelength
radiowaves which are produced by vacuum uses ofultraviolet rays are gi,ven beww
rubes. Their frequency lies in the range of 1 to (t) Used in burglar alarm.
300 GHz (Gigahertz). {it) Checking mineral sample.
(iit) Used to study molecular structure.
uses ofmicrowaves are gi.ven beww
(i) Used in radar systems for aircraft (iv) To kill germs in minerals.
(v) To sterilize surgical instruments.
navigation.
{it) Used in microwave oven for cooking
X-Rays · s
purpose. Discovered by German professor Rontgen. Its frequency ranges from
(iit) Used in study of atomic and molecular 19
structure. 10 16 to3 X 10 Hz.
(iv) Used to measure the speed of vehicle, Uses ofX-rays are given below . the
speed of cricket ball, etc. (,) Used in surgery to detect the fracture, diseased organs, stones ID
body, etc. _ . . ofwdds.
Infrared Waves {it) Used in engineering to detect fault, crack on bndges, tes~g
These waves were discovered by Herschell. (iit) Used at metro station to detect metal or explosive matenal.
These waves are also called heat waves. These (iv) Used in scientific research.
waves are produced due to heat radiating bo~ies
and molecules. They have high penetration Gamma (y) Rays . es rJ
power. Frequency range is 3 X 1011 Hz to y-rays were discovered by Rutherford. They travel with th re:, 111
light and having high penetration power. Frequency ranges
4 X 10 14 Hz. 20
3 X 10 19 to 5 X 10 Hz.
Uses ofinfrared waves are given below
(,) Used in physical therapy. Uses ofgamma("() rays are given below
(i,) Used in satellite for army purpose. (,) Used to produce nuclear reaction. 80
(iii) Used in weather forecasting. . (ii) Used in radiotherapy for the treatment of tumor and cancer.
(iv) Used for producing dehydrated fruits. d (iii) Used in food industry to kill micro-organism. c;tUfCrJ
(v) Used in solar water heater, solar cells an (iv) They are used to provide valuable information about the strU
cooker. atomic nucleus.