Electromagnetic Spectrum Definition Formula Equations Uses

A spectrum contributes to the monochrome element of a wave as a position of its components’ frequency. The shape of a spectrum can often be used as a spectral autograph to identify its source. For example, a sound spectrum delivers sound intensity as a function of the sound’s frequency or wavelength if the line range is a continuous distribution with frequency and discrete components.

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of several electromagnetic waves. Each of them is explained in detail here.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Radio waves:

They can propagate a foot long or even several miles long. These waves find communication applications through radio, satellites, computers and radar.

Microwaves:

Shorter than radio waves, these microwaves are measured in centimeters. They are widely used due to their ability to penetrate smoke, clouds and light rain. There is an enormous amount of cosmic microwave background radiation in the universe, which scientists have linked to the Big Bang.

Infrared:

Between microwaves and the visible light region, infrared waves are often classified as near and far. Near-infrared waves are close to visible sunlight, and they find applications in TV remotes to switch from one channel to another. Far infrared waves are shorter wavelengths than visible light and give off heat.

Visible light:

The visible light spectrum is the spectrum of light visible to the human eye. It covers wavelengths from 390 to 700 nm.

Ultraviolet:

UV rays are the shortest wavelength rays most emitted from the sun. Some insects, often like bumblebees, can see ultraviolet light. Powerful telescopes use UV rays to see stars.

X-rays

As Roentgen discovered, X-rays have shorter wavelengths than UV rays. They can penetrate the soft tissue and provide an image of the bone. Multiple X-rays exposure carries a risk of cancer, but this risk is minimal.

Gamma rays:

These are the shortest waves in the spectrum with the highest energy. Gamma rays find applications in detailed imaging for cancer treatments and diagnostic purposes.

electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths

The electromagnetic spectrum is the broad name given to the known range of electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths increase from about 10–18 m to 100 km, corresponding to decreasing frequencies from 3 × 1026 Hz to 3 × 103 Hz.

The electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light in vacuum: c = 299,792,458 m/s. Energy ( E ) is associated with each region of the EMS using the equation:

• Where h is Planck’s constant and f is the frequency.
• The table below lists standard wavelengths, frequencies, and powers for different areas of EMS.  

What are electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic radiation travels through the universe like ripples in a pond after throwing a pebble. And those waves travel at the speed of light, 186,000 miles per second.

Conclusion: 

The electromagnetic spectrum is a series of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. From long to short wavelengths, the EM spectrum includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.