ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

Introduction
Some waves are

visible to the human eye e.g. Water waves. However some waves are invisible as their spectrum is beyond the range of human vision.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of waves that are visible/invisible to the naked eye. We can, however use specialised equipment to detect these waves.

Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum. Visible light from the sun travels to Earth through space.

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Gamma Rays
Gamma Radiation has the highest

frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum It is lethal to living cells in high doses and is therefore used to sterilise medical equipment, treat cancer and kill bacteria in food. The amount of gamma radiation in solar radiation is relatively small and therefore poses no harm to living organisms it mostly passes through bone and tissue.

X-Rays
X-rays are next in the spectrum and also have a high frequency. X-rays are used to take pictures of bones or objects for medical or security reasons. They pass easily through soft tissue but not through metal or bone, which makes them ideal for this

purpose.

Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation (also

known as black light), is found naturally in sunlight. In fact it is what makes us tan! Like the other types of light at this end of the spectrum, it is harmful in large doses as it destroys or mutates living cells. Ultraviolet light is used in sun beds and security pens. It is also used by the police to detect biological material using a reagent called Luminol.

Visible Light
The most familiar

part of the electromagnetic spectrum is visible light . Visible light can be broken up into seven different colours, each with its own specific wavelength.

At each end of the visible light spectrum are two invisible light shades ultraviolet and infrared.

Infrared Radiation
Infrared radiation is

invisible to humans but we can feel it as heat. For this reason it is often used in the application of heat in equipment such as heaters or toasters. We can detect infrared by using specialised cameras, which produce a thermal image. Some animals, such as the rattlesnake, can do this naturally to help them locate prey.

Microwaves
Microwaves transfer

energy to particles and make them vibrate. This is what causes microwaves to cook food they heat up the water particles in the food which cook from the inside out. Microwaves are also used to carry information in communications devices. Microwaves could be potentially harmful but no scientific proof for this has been provided.

Radio Waves
Can travel long distances

and can be bounced off the ionosphere. This means they do not need satellites to be transmitted. Can carry types of information. They are the longest waves and can be transmitted at very low frequencies, which means they travel for long distances.