The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation consists of oscillating waves of electric and magnetic fields that travel through space at the speed of light.
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into different regions based on the frequency or wavelength of the radiation. The regions, in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength, are:
- Radio waves: This region has the longest wavelengths and the lowest frequencies. Radio waves are used for communication, such as in radios and television broadcasting.
- Microwaves: This region has shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than radio waves. Microwaves are used for communication, such as in cell phones and Wi-Fi, and also for cooking food.
- Infrared radiation: This region has even shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than microwaves. Infrared radiation is emitted by warm objects and is used in thermal imaging and remote sensing.
- Visible light: This is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. It includes colors from violet to red, with violet having the shortest wavelength and highest frequency, and red having the longest wavelength and lowest frequency.
- Ultraviolet radiation: This region has even shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than visible light. Ultraviolet radiation is responsible for sunburns and is used in sterilization and fluorescent lighting.
- X-rays: This region has even shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than ultraviolet radiation. X-rays are used in medical imaging and radiation therapy.
- Gamma rays: This region has the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies of all electromagnetic radiation. Gamma rays are emitted by radioactive materials and are used in medical imaging and radiation therapy, as well as in scientific research.
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