Electromagnetic Spectrum Overview

Study Notes

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

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 (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'

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)

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

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