Electromagnetic Spectrum Overview

Electromagnetic Spectrum Overview

• Electromagnetic waves are created by vibrations between electric and magnetic fields
• EM waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields

Frequency

• Frequency (f) is the number of waves passing a fixed point within a given time
• Electromagnetic wave frequencies range from thousands to trillions per second
• Unit of measurement: Hertz (Hz)
• Frequency is represented by the symbol 'f'

Wavelength

• Wavelength (λ) is the distance between successive crests of a wave, especially points in a sound wave or electromagnetic wave
• Unit of measurement: meters (m)
• Wavelength is represented by the symbol Lambda (λ)

Photon Energy

• Photon Energy (E) is directly proportional to the electromagnetic frequency and inversely proportional to the wavelength
• Higher frequency = higher energy
• Unit of measurement: Electron Volts (eV)
• Photon Energy is represented by the symbol 'E'

Electromagnetic Spectrum Arrangement

• The spectrum arranges waves based on frequency and wavelength
• Waves range from long wavelengths (low frequency) to short wavelengths (high frequency)
• Increasing Frequency (Hz) and Photon Energy
• Increasing Wavelength (M)

Types of Electromagnetic Waves

• Radio waves: Longest wavelength, lowest frequency, used for AM/FM radio, TV, mobile phones, etc.
• Microwaves: Higher frequency than radio waves, used for cooking, mobile phones, radar, etc.
• Infrared: Higher frequency than microwaves, used for heating, night vision, remote controls, etc.
• Visible Light: The segment of the spectrum visible to the human eye (400-700nm); used for vision
• Ultraviolet (UV): Higher frequency than visible light, used for sterilization, curing inks, phototherapy, dental applications, etc.
• X-rays: Higher frequency than UV, used for medical imaging (bones, teeth), cancer treatment, astronomy
• Gamma rays: Highest frequency, highest energy, used for sterilizing medical equipment, cancer treatment, astronomy

Effects on Living Organisms

• Some EM waves carry enough energy to ionize atoms and damage molecules and DNA, leading to issues like cancer and birth defects
• Ionizing radiation includes UV, X-rays, and Gamma rays

Effects on Environment

• The ozone layer absorbs most radiation
• Pollution thins the ozone layer, increasing UV radiation and impacting global temperatures