What is the electromagnetic Light on the spectrumspectrum? |
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The electromagnetic spectrum describes the various types of electromagnetic radiation based on their wavelengths. Light is a form of electromagnetic energy, it is waves of electric and magnetic energy which move together through space. The diagram below shows the order of energy on the electromagnetic spectrum, from the least energetic wavelength to the most energetic wavelength. Radio and television waves are the least energetic wavelength on the electromagnetic spectrum; they can be used to communicate with mobile phones and to carry their signals, as well as listening to the radio. They are followed by microwaves, which can be used for satellite TV and microwave ovens. Infra-red radiation is used with doctors who use it to heal sore muscles with the light. Visible light however, is used for generating electricity, by means of photo-electric cells and green plants use it for photosynthesis. After that comes ultraviolet light which can be used for medical scans, and insects have ultraviolet light. X-rays are used to take photos of the bone to show if it's broken or not. Gamma rays are on the other end of the spectrum with the most energetic wavelength, and are used to kill cancerous cells and to have a better look at people's organs.  |
The diagram below shows the light spectrum with the colours that are able to be seen by the eye. The colours with the least energy are called ultraviolet light; they are the colours with the energy ranging from 350nm to 575nm (nm=nanometere). The colours with the most energy is called infra-red radiation, these are the colours that have energy ranging from 575nm to 800nm.  Electromagnetic waves and energy Each energy form has a different wavelength. Some may or may not be longer than others. The radio wavelengths are the longest on the spectrum, they can range from being aprox. 30cm up to 3km as shown by the picture.  Microwaves have a wavelength of 0.001m, which is getting smaller as you move down the spectrum. Infrared have wavelengths of 0.000001m, which is smaller again. Visible light has a wavelength of 0.0000001. Ultraviolet light has a wavelength of 0.000000001. X-Rays have wavelengths of 0.00000000001. Gamma Rays are on the other end with the smallest on the spectrum with a wavelength of 0.0000000000001. It is very hard to tell what the speed of electromagnetic waves are, because you would have to measure the speed in the atmosphere. There are some dangers with the energy on the spectrum, such as a gamma ray. They can penetrate practically any material. Unlike radio waves which are not that dangerous everything else in between has a dangerous aspect about it. The only light that is on the spectrum that we are able to see is the visible light.
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