Understanding the Concept of Electromagnetic Radiations

Electromagnetic radiations travel in waves and span a broad spectrum from very long radio waves to very short gamma rays. The human eye can detect only a very minimal part of the spectrum, which is known as visible light. Radio waves identify an altered share of spectrum, and an x-ray device uses yet alternative serving. NASA’s technical mechanisms aid the full series of electromagnetic radiation spectrums to examine the solar system, Earth, and the universe.

When you watch TV, make popcorn in the microwave, tune your music or radio, send text messages, then you are consuming electromagnetic energy or electromagnetic radiation. Nowadays, the majority of people are dependent on energy even every minute of every day. Without energy, the life we know will not exist. Furthermore, electromagnetic radiation is imitated or engaged primarily by some gases in the Earth’s environment, with the key being water vapor, ozone, and carbon dioxide. Certain radiations like visible light mainly transmit through the atmosphere. These areas of the spectrum with wavelengths that can badge through the atmosphere are commonly known as “atmospheric windows.” Various microwaves can also pass through hazes, which results in the greatest wavelength for diffusing satellite communication signals.

What is Electromagnetic Radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation is a type of energy present all around us everywhere in different forms and types, such as radio waves, microwaves, gamma-rays, and X-rays. The most common form of electromagnetic radiation is derived from sunlight, while on the other hand, visible light is considered a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and is also electromagnetic radiation with maximum wavelengths.

Electromagnetic radiation inherits a massive variety of frequencies and wavelengths. This range of electromagnetic radiation is also known as the electromagnetic spectrum, according to UCAR. The electromagnetic spectrum is normally separated into seven regions, in demand of reducing wavelength and growing energy and frequency.

The common Designations are:

• Radio waves
• Infrared (IR)
• Ultraviolet (UV)
• X-rays
• Microwaves
• Visible light
• Gamma-rays

Radio Waves: Radio waves lie at the bottom range in the electromagnetic spectrum, with frequencies ranging nearly up to 30 gigahertz or 30 billion hertz, while the wavelengths are higher, nearly about 0.4 inches (10 millimeters). Radio waves are commonly used for entertainment media, data, and communications, including voice and text form.

Microwaves: Microwaves radiations are the type of radiation that lies between the IR and radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. Microwaves carry a range of frequencies of nearly about 30 trillion hertz to 3 GHz or 30 terahertz (THz), and the wavelengths range nearly about 0.004 to 0.4 inches (0.1 to 10 mm). Microwaves are commonly utilized as heat sources for microwave ovens, for high-bandwidth infrastructures and radar, and also various industrial processes.

Infrared: Infrared is also a crucial part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which lies between visible light and microwaves. Infrared contains frequencies ranging from 30 to 400 THz along with wavelengths of nearly about 0.00003 to 0.004 inches. Infrared light cannot be seen by human eyes, but human beings can feel it as heat when it comes in contact, and also direct contact can harm and cause several skin problems.

Visible light: Visible light is the type of light that can be seen by human eyes, which has frequencies ranging nearly from 400 to 800THz and 0.000015 to 0.00003 inches. Generally, visible light is seen between UV and IR in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Ultraviolet: Ultraviolet light is a type of light that cannot be seen by human eyes and is known as the component of the sun. Ultraviolet light lies between X-rays and visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum. UV contains frequencies nearly about 8 × 1014 to 3 x 1016 Hz, and wavelengths are nearly about 0.0000004 to 0.000015 inches.

X-rays: X-rays are further divided into two forms which are known as hard X-rays and soft X-rays. Soft X-rays are the type of rays that lie between gamma-rays and X-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum. Soft X-rays contain a frequency range of about 3 × 1016 to 1018 Hz, and wavelengths are nearly about 4 × 10−7 to 4 × 10−8 inches. While hard X-rays also lie in the same portion of the electromagnetic spectrum as gamma-rays. X-rays and gamma rays have one big difference, which is the source of origin, where gamma rays are developed via atomic nuclei while on the other hand X-rays are generated by the accelerating electrons.

Gamma-Rays: Gamma rays are considered dangerous light, undesired, and excess contact with gamma rays can cause serious damage. Gamma rays are also used in the medical treatment of cancer cells in the prescribed manner. Gamma rays are present above the soft X-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum and contain frequencies higher than 1018 Hz, and have wavelengths less than 4 × 10−9 inches.

Conclusion

Electromagnetic radiation is a type of energy present all around us everywhere in different forms and types, such as radio waves, microwaves, gamma-rays, and X-rays. This article concluded a clear understanding of electromagnetic radiation and its types, which are very important for various industrial and medical techniques and may damage if excess direct exposure to some types of lights.