The electromagnetic spectrum measures the range of all electromagnetic radiation frequencies. According to the electromagnetic theory, electromagnetic radiation is a stream of photons which are mass-less particles traveling in a wave-like pattern at the speed of light. Although these photons are mass less, they are not without their own merits. In fact, photons contain bundles of energy just waiting to be released. On the lower end of the spectrum, microwaves have the lowest energy, while gamma rays contain the most.
Electromagnetic Spectrum Types
There are seven basic types of radiation studied within the electromagnetic spectrum. From lowest to highest, these are -.
Radio
Microwaves
Infrared
Visible
Ultra-violet
X-rays
Gamma rays
Electromagnetic Spectrum Diagram - Image Credit NASA
Radio waves have the longest wavelength, which can be up to a football field long! While we cannot see these electromagnetic waves, they carry signals from television, radio, cell phones and wireless Internet.
Additionally, stars and space gases emit radio waves as well. Microwaves are also invisible but serve us well. With a slightly shorter wavelength, microwaves transmit voices through telephones, work the Doppler weather radar and permeate all of outer space as a faint background. Astronomers sometimes look at microwaves when they are talking about the Big Bang Theory or to study the Milky Way.
After radio, microwaves, infrared and visible radiation there is the most powerful of electromagnetic waves, which are X-rays. These very high-energy light waves have a very short wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum. Generally, when we think of X-rays, we think of the doctor's office, although hot gases in the universe emit X-rays too. Luckily, they cannot reach the Earth's surface, though!
Lastly, gamma rays have the most energy, the shortest wavelength and the most radiation in the spectrum. In warfare, these rays are produced by nuclear blasts. In nature or in power plants, they come from radioactive atoms. In physics, particle accelerators are helping scientists learn what matter is comprised of. In space, gamma rays burst mysteriously each day. In medicine, the gamma ray's electromagnetic waves are being studied as a way to destroy cancer cells.
Electromagnetic Spectrum Uses
Over the years, the electromagnetic spectrum has contributed to amazing inventions like television, radio, microwaves, ray guns, satellite radar and more. Electromagnetic theory is also being employed in the scientific community as researchers try to find a way to cure cancer by harnessing electromagnetic wave energy and "zapping" cancer cells. Tran cranial electromagnetic stimulation is being used to treat chronic pain disorders and severe depression. In nature, these electromagnetic waves help us to appreciate the beautiful sight of a rainbow from visible waves and the soothing sounds of music emitting through radio waves. This energy fuels photosynthesis, as well as the water cycle, both of which make our planet inhabitable.
