The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radio Waves

*Longest Wavelength*Lowest Frequency*Lowest EnergyExamples-TV signals, AM & FM radio signals

Radio waves travel easily through the atmosphere and many materials.

Microwaves

*Shorter Wavelength than Radio Waves*Higher Frequency than Radio Waves*Higher Energy than Radio Waves Examples-Cell Phones and Radar

Microwave ovens produce microwaves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate faster, which makes food warmer.

Infrared Waves

*Shorter Wavelengths than Microwaves*Higher Frequency than Microwaves*Higher Energy than MicrowavesExamples- Sun, Fire and Radiator

All objects emit infrared waves-usually given off by hot objects (stars, lamps, people and animals).

Infrared radiation is the type of EM wave most often associated with heat.

Visible Light

*Shorter Wavelength than Infrared Light*Higher Frequency than Infrared Light*Higher Energy than Infrared LightExamples that reflect visible light: Sun, Light Bulbs

Visible Light is the only part of the EM spectrum that the human eye can see.

Red light= longest wavelength; lowest frequencyBlue light= shortest wavelength; higher frequencyWhite light= all colors mixed together

Ultraviolet Light

*Shorter Wavelength than Visible Light*Higher Frequency than Visible Light*Higher energy than Visible LightExamples-Sun and special lamps (tanning bed)

The wave can damage your skin and eyes; sun block can help filter out these frequencies.

Uses: Sterilize medical equipment, help the produce vitamin D, harden dental fillings, and tanning.

X-Rays

*Shorter Wavelength than Ultraviolet Light*Higher Frequency than Ultraviolet Light*Higher Energy than Ultraviolet LightExamples- X-ray machines to view bones and airport

security

X-rays have enough energy to go through skin and muscle but are absorbed by the bone.

Can be dangerous for a living organism.

Gamma Rays

*Shortest Wavelength*Highest Frequency*Highest EnergyExamples- Sun, other stars and radioactive

substances

Used to kill cancer cells and fight tumors.Can be dangerous for a living organism.