Electromagnetic Waves and Their Applications

Study Notes

As the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation shortens, the frequency increases and the energy increases.
The opposite is true as well: as the wavelength increases the frequency and energy decrease.

Radio waves are used for broadcasting television and radio signals because they can travel long distances.

Microwaves are used in telecommunication channels, for example in mobile phone networks, Bluetooth, wireless, and LAN protocols.
Microwaves are also used in appliances, such as microwave ovens.

Infrared waves are associated with heat.
Infrared waves have higher energy than radio waves and microwaves.
Infrared waves, along with radio waves and visible light, are low energy radiations.
Low energy radiation are considered safe for prolonged use.

UV radiation is used in the medical industry as a sterilizing agent and by water purifiers to get rid of harmful bacteria.

X-rays are widely used in the medical industry to examine the state of bones and detect foreign objects in the body.
X-rays are also used by airport security to scan luggage for potentially dangerous objects.

Gamma rays have the lowest wavelength and the highest energy on the electromagnetic spectrum.
Gamma rays are the opposite of radio waves.
Gamma rays are emitted from radioactive material and during nuclear explosions.
Gamma rays are used in space observatories and astronomical observations.

As the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation shortens, the frequency increases and the energy increases.
The opposite is also true: As the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases and the energy decreases.
Radio waves have the longest wavelength and the lowest energy.
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and the highest energy.
Radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves and visible light are considered low energy radiations because they are safe even after prolonged use.

Radio waves are used for broadcasting TV and radio signals because they can cover a greater distance.
Microwaves are used in telecommunications (mobile networks, Bluetooth, Wireless and LAN protocols) and appliances (e.g., microwave ovens).
Infrared waves are associated with heat because of their higher energy compared to radio waves and microwaves.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is used as a sterilizing agent by the medical industry and water purifiers to eliminate harmful bacteria.
X-rays are widely used in the medical field to examine bones and identify foreign objects in the body. X-rays are also used by airport security to scan luggage for potentially dangerous objects.
Gamma rays are emitted by radioactive materials and nuclear explosions. They have the lowest wavelength and highest energy. Gamma rays are used for space exploration and astronomical observations.