Electromagnetic Spectrum: Radio Waves to Gamma Rays

What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of all types of electromagnetic radiation. Radiation is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes. The types of radiation that make up the electromagnetic spectrum are classified by their wavelengths and frequencies.

Here is a breakdown of the different types of electromagnetic waves from longest wavelength to shortest:

• Radio Waves
• Microwaves
• Infrared
• Visible Light
• Ultraviolet
• X-rays
• Gamma Rays

Properties and Uses of Electromagnetic Waves

Type of Wave	Properties	Uses
Radio Waves	Longest wavelength, lowest frequency	Broadcasting, communication, radar
Microwaves	Shorter wavelength than radio waves	Cooking, satellite transmissions
Infrared	Felt as heat	Remote controls, thermal imaging
Visible Light	Only part of the spectrum visible to the human eye	Vision, photography, illumination
Ultraviolet	Shorter wavelength than visible light	Fluorescent lamps, sterilizing medical equipment
X-rays	Can pass through most objects	Medical imaging, security
Gamma Rays	Shortest wavelength, highest frequency	Cancer treatment, sterilizing food and medical equipment

Worked Example: Identifying Uses of Electromagnetic Waves