By Eli Coakley

In short, the electromagnetic spectrum is a scale that measures the different frequencies of electromagnetic waves, from visible light to gamma rays. Summary

Why is it important and how is it organized? The scale is organized from the weakest of waves, radio waves, to the strongest, gamma rays. It is important to us because it tells us what waves are dangerous and what are not. For example, visible light can burn you slightly, while x- rays can kill you.

Examples  Radio Waves: Cell phones  Microwaves: Microwave ovens  Infrared light: Night vision  Visible light: Sun light  Ultraviolet Light: Tanning  X-Rays: Seeing inside things  Gamma Rays: Nuclear Waste

Terms to Know  When things are transparent, they can be easily seen through. Glass is transparent, since light can pass through it and not be messed with.  When things are translucent, only a shadow or a vague image of the object can be seen. An example of it is when it’s foggy out. You can see things, but only vaguely.  And lastly, when something is opaque, you cannot see through it at all. Most things, like steel and wood, are opaque.