Electromagnetic Waves Examples with differing frequencies, wavelengths and energy levels

Electromagnetic Waves Electromagnetic (EM) waves are transverse waves consisting of changing electric fields and changing magnetic fields An EM wave can travel through a vacuum, or empty space as well as through matter (medium) EM waves are produced when an electric charge vibrates or accelerates

Speed of Light The speed of light in a vacuum: c = 3 x 10 8 m/s This was calculated by physicist Albert Michelson in 1926 He used a rotating mirror on one mountain and another mirror on another mountain to make the calcuation

Radio Waves Radio waves have the lowest frequency, longest wavelength and least amount of energy Radio waves are used in radio, television, microwaves and radar In addition microwaves which are a type of radio wave carry cell phone conversations

Infrared Rays Infrared waves have a higher frequency and shorter wavelength than radio waves Infrared waves are used as a source of heat and to detect heat We cannot see infrared rays but can feel the heat

Visible Light Visible light is light the human eye can see Red light has the longest wavelength and lowest frequency Violet has the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency

Visible Light The colors of the visible spectrum are abbreviated as Roy G. Biv = red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet

Ultraviolet Rays Ultraviolet (UV) rays have a higher frequency than violet light UV rays help our skin in moderation but excessive exposure can cause sunburn and possibly skin cancer

X-Rays X-rays have short wavelengths and high frequencies X-rays can go through matter that light cannot Our teeth and bones absorb x-rays

Gamma Rays Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency Gamma rays also have the most energy ma.htm