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Reading Practice 5
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Image Courtesy of Florida State College
There are a few things to notice about the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, so let's break it down:
It is broken up into sections based on wavelength from ten-thousandths of nanometers long to hundreds of meters long. To put this
in perspective, a nanometer is one billionth of a meter or 10^-9 meters.
If we start on the left of the EM spectrum, we can see gamma (γ) rays have the shortest wavelength and thus the highest
frequency. Because of their high frequencies, they can ionize radiation and are very dangerous. This means that they have enough
energy to ionize atoms or molecules by removing their electrons and can easily pass through matter. This makes them very
dangerous to humans and we are only exposed to them in small amounts in medical and industrial settings.
Next on the EM spectrum is X-rays, something you're already familiar with! X-rays have a longer wavelength and lower frequency
when compared to gamma rays. Their properties allow them to pass through substances that block visible light, which allows us to
use them to image internal bones and organs!
Next, we got ultraviolet radiation or UV rays. Since their frequency is still relatively high (although low compared to gamma and
x-rays), they are very harmful to us in high doses. UV rays are the reason why we have to wear sunscreen when exposed to sunlight
for a prolonged period of time, as excessive exposure to UV light increases the risk of skin cancer.
Taking a look at the EM spectrum, we can see that next is the visible light spectrum, which is the EM radiation that we can see. The
photoreceptors in our eyes are only receptive to light within this spectrum, ranging from 400 nm in wavelength to 700 nm. Note
that purple💜 has the shortest wavelength while red❤️has the longest wavelength.
UV rays and visible light are both associated with transitions
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in energy levels at an atomic level.
After the visible light spectrum, we have infrared radiation, represented as IR on the EM spectrum above. All of the heat that we
bodies)moreemit3.11light at this wavelength! IR is also associated with transitions
feel is infrared radiation since warm objects (even humanPractice
in molecular vibrational levels.
Moving towards the opposite end of the spectrum, we are nowNext at microwaves. Microwaves are associated with transitions in
molecular rotational levels. They are used in satellite systems and can cook food (hence our microwaves in the kitchen!).
How do microwave ovens warm our food? When you microwave food, the microwaves pass through the container and into the
food. The microwaves are absorbed by the food, causing the molecules to vibrate and produce heat.
Last but not least, we have radio waves. Radio waves have the longest wavelength and thus the lowest frequency. Because of
this, radio waves are not really dangerous to us. They are actually used to transmit signals responsible for radio, our cell signal, and
television!
Here is another image that quickly summarizes the practical use of these different rays of light.
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What is the relationship between the frequency and wavelength of a wave?