Lesson 2

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Light plays an important role in our lives. For instance, without sunlight, almost all forms of life here on Earth are impossible
to exist. Also, light enables you to see and appreciate the beauty of the things around you.

Light or visible light is just one of the seven types of electromagnetic waves that make up the wide range of the electromagnetic
spectrum. These waves share similar characteristics but are unique in some ways.

Discussion
The electromagnetic spectrum or EM spectrum consists of the different types of electromagnetic waves that are
arranged according to wavelength, frequency, and energy.
Specifically, it shows the arrangement of EM waves from the waves of longest wavelength to the waves of shortest
wavelength, and from the waves of lowest frequency and energy to the waves of highest frequency and energy.
There are seven types of EM waves that occupy the different regions of the EM spectrum. All these waves have the
same properties, but they differ in terms of their wavelength, frequency, and energy.
Among the seven types of EM waves, visible light is the only wave that can be seen by the human eyes. The rest of
these waves are invisible, but they are detectable.
With regard to wavelength, some EM waves have a wavelength which is the same as the length of a tall building,
while others have a
wavelength which is just about the size of the tip of the needle.
Some waves are low in terms of energy and frequency, but others are too high. As a result, although most of these
waves have useful applications to everyday life, too much exposure to high-frequency and
high-energy EM waves may cause damage to healthy cells and can be
very dangerous not only to the human body but also to the environment.