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The whole distribution of electromagnetic radiation based on frequency or wavelength is referred to as the electromagnetic spectrum. Despite the fact that all electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, they do so at a broad range of frequencies, wavelengths, and photon energies. The electromagnetic spectrum includes all electromagnetic radiation and is divided into several subranges, which are frequently referred to as parts, such as visible light or ultraviolet radiation.
The various sections have distinct names because of variances in the emission, transmission, and absorption of the corresponding waves, as well as their numerous practical uses. Because there are no specific acceptable boundaries between these continuous pieces, the ranges tend to overlap.
From the lowest to the highest frequency (longest to shortest wavelength), the electromagnetic spectrum comprises all radio waves (e.g., commercial radio and television, microwaves, radar), infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. Spectroscopy may be performed on nearly all frequencies and wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.
What are Electromagnetic Waves?
Electromagnetic waves are forms of energy that travel through space as periodic disruptions in electric and magnetic fields. All electromagnetic waves move across space at the same speed, c = 2.99792458 x 108 m/s, which is generally referred to as the speed of light. A frequency and a wavelength define an electromagnetic wave. The equation connects these two values to the speed of light.
Light speed = frequency × wavelength
The frequency (and hence wavelength) of an electromagnetic wave is determined by its source. In our physical world, there is a vast range of frequency experienced, ranging from the low frequency of electric waves created by power transmission lines to the extremely high frequency of gamma rays emanating from atomic nuclei. The Electromagnetic Spectrum is made up of electromagnetic waves with a wide frequency range.
Waves or particles
All light possesses particle-like as well as wave-like qualities. Which of these features are noticed is influenced by how an instrument is built to perceive light. An example of viewing light’s wave-like feature is a device that diffracts light into a spectrum for study. Light’s particle-like nature is noticed by detectors used in digital cameras — individual photons unleash electrons that are employed for picture detection and storing.
What is Electromagnetic Energy?
Light, electromagnetic waves, and radiation are all names used to describe the same physical phenomenon: electromagnetic energy. This energy can be characterised using terms like frequency, wavelength, or energy. All three are mathematically connected in such a way that if you know one, you can compute the other two. Radio and microwave frequencies are commonly characterised in terms of Hertz, infrared and visible light in terms of wavelength (metres), and x-rays and gamma rays in terms of energy (electron volts). This is a scientific convention that permits the use of units with numbers that are neither too big nor too little.
What is polarization?
Polarization is a feature of some electromagnetic radiation in which the direction and amplitude of the vibrating electric field are associated in a specific way.
Light waves are transverse, which means that the vibrating electric vector associated with each wave is perpendicular to its propagation direction. A beam of unpolarized light is made up of waves travelling in the same direction, with their electric vectors pointing in random directions around the propagation axis.As the wave travels in circular polarisation, the electric vector rotates about the direction of propagation. Light can be polarised by reflection or by passing it through filters, such as certain crystals, that transfer vibration in one direction only.
What is reflection?
Reflection is the process of a ray of light bouncing back off a medium after impacting it. The fundamental principle of reflection is that the atoms of the reflecting surface absorb energy from the source and then radiate it as light beams. Because reflection takes place in the same medium, the refractive index will remain constant.
There are two types of reflection which are given as:
- Regular reflection
- Irregular reflection
Conclusion
Electromagnetic waves are a type of energy that flows through space as periodic disturbances in both the electric and magnetic fields. The electromagnetic spectrum refers to the entire dispersion of electromagnetic energy. Although all electromagnetic waves move at the speed of light in a vacuum, they do so at a variety of frequencies, wavelengths, and photon energies. The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all electromagnetic radiation and is separated into various subranges, sometimes referred to as portions, such as visible light or ultraviolet radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum includes all radio waves (e.g., commercial radio and television, microwaves, radar), infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays, from the lowest to the highest frequency.
