Electromagnetic radiation and its implication

According to the definition of electromagnetic radiation, they are a form of radiant energy and comprise electromagnetic waves. The waves are formed due to the continuous oscillation of magnetic and electric fields. The oscillations are periodic changes occurring in the magnetic and electric fields. Moreover, electromagnetic waves move at the speed of light in a vacuum.

The emission of electromagnetic radiation occurs electrically through the acceleration of the charged particles. Moreover, the electromagnetic waves carry away the momentum, energy, and angular momentum from the source particle. Electromagnetic waves are radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-Ray, and gamma rays. How is electromagnetic radiation used in everyday life and what are the effects of electromagnetic radiation on humans is explained further in the article.

How is electromagnetic radiation used in everyday life?

Since the definition of electromagnetic radiation states that it comprises waves of energy, they are divided into seven types of waves based on their wavelengths and frequencies. Let’s see the use of Electromagnetic Radiation in our daily lives. There are seven different electromagnetic waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. Moreover, all of these have different uses in many gadgets around us. 

Radio waves

Radio waves are most commonly used in Radio Broadcasting. Televisions and Radios are based on Radio Broadcasting Technology. In Radio broadcasting, a transmitter transmits a radio wave carrying the information like audio or video or both through the back n forth movement of the current. This signal is launched in the air to the other end, called the receiving antenna. 

After the receiving antenna receives the signal, it oscillates the current with the same frequency. This results in the transmission of the data sent by the transmitter. Then, the transmitted waves are decoded to get the main content in audio or video. Moreover, there are two techniques of Radio Broadcasting, namely, Frequency Modulation (FM) and Amplitude Modulation (AM). However, the frequency used in FM Radios varies between 87.5 to 108 Megahertz.

Microwaves and higher microwaves

Microwaves are most commonly used in food cooking as their frequencies of these can easily be absorbed by the molecules. Moreover, higher microwaves are used in communications between the satellite and the space agencies on earth. A microwave oven uses these waves to cook food. A fun fact related to microwave ovens is that microwave ovens were discovered accidentally during a project related to microwaves. 

Infrared and higher infrared

Infrared is commonly used in short-range communication, such as remote control devices to send commands. Moreover, These rays are also used in optical fibres, security systems etc. At the same time, higher infrared rays are used in thermal imaging in darkness by detecting thermal energy from bodies.

Visible Light

The part of the spectrum of electromagnetic waves that we can see from our naked eyes is visible light. This light has a lot of uses in our daily lives. Moreover, Visible light reflects when it hits a hard or rigid surface. We can see objects around us due to visible light as when it reflects from an object and enters our eyes; it makes the image of the object in our eyes. However, this light is used in optical fibres for data transmission, photography and illumination. 

Ultraviolet radiation

These radiations are used for sterilisation and also help to kill germs. Moreover, UV rays also help to create the fluorescent effect. However, these are ionising rays, and long term exposure to them can lead to cancer.

X-rays and Gamma rays

X-rays are used to conduct radiography, whereas gamma rays sterilise food. Gamma rays are sometimes used to treat cancer.

What are the effects of electromagnetic radiation on humans?

Electromagnetic radiation has always been blamed for causing damage to the human body. However, some of them are true and told by scientists many times, whereas some are myths made for different purposes. Ultimately, radiations like visible light and radio waves have no adverse effects on the human body. We are in contact with visible light and radio waves as these waves are used in lumination and communication. Moreover, radio waves pass through our bodies very easily without any harmful effects on our bodies. 

On the other hand, radiation like microwaves and infrared are quite harmful to the human body. Microwaves can be absorbed by our bodies and cause the heating of internal tissues. This is the same way a microwave oven cooks food. But microwaves from ovens are not harmful to us as they remain inside the oven’s body all the time. However, infrared is more harmful to our body and can damage or burn out the outer cells of the body too. 

Conclusion

As per the definition of electromagnetic radiation, they are waves of energy emitted by the 

accelerating particles. The formation of electromagnetic waves happens due to the periodic change in the magnetic and the electric field. Also, electromagnetic radiations tend to carry away the energy, angular momentum, and momentum of the source particle.

There are seven types of electromagnetic radiation. These are- radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-Ray and gamma rays. All these waves play an important role in our lives. They are used to establish communication systems, heat food, and help with night vision. They also play an important role in illumination, sterilisation, and cancer therapy. Electromagnetic radiation is so important that it cannot be emphasised enough.