Waves of the Electromagnet Spectrum

How do Electromagnet waves compare? All travel at same speeds in vacuum Have different wavelengths and frequencies Visible light is only range of wavelengths you can see

What makes up the electromagnet spectrum Radio waves Microwaves Infrared rays Visible light Ultraviolet rays X-rays Gamma rays

Radio Waves Longest wavelength and lowest frequency Used to broadcast radio programs Electrical signals are converted to sounds

Microwaves Have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than radio waves Uses include RADAR and cellular phone communications

Infrared Rays Have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than microwaves Uses include heat bulbs to get items warm Warmer objects give off infrared waves with more energy and higher frequencies

Visible light Electromagnet waves that you can see Make up only a small part of the electromagnet spectrum Have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than infrared rays

Ultraviolet waves Wavelengths shorter and frequencies higher than visible light Can damage or kill living cells Causes sunburn when skin is overexposed and unprotected Small doses can be helpful in production of vitamin D

X-rays Wavelength shorter and frequency higher than ultraviolet rays X-rays can penetrate most matter Dense matter absorbs x-rays Used in industry and medicine

Gamma Rays Shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies Most penetrating electromagnet wave Used to examine body’s internal structures by infection of fluids that exert gamma rays Gamma Rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere