Communications
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Wave Properties
Radio Waves
Reflection and Refraction
Sound

Other Sections

Electricity
Forces
Space
Particles

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Introduction

Light is just part of a continuum of waves called the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum includes many types of wave that you will recognise including X-rays and infra-red.

The electromagnetic spectrum is normally given in order of decreasing wavelength or increasing frequency . A summary of the spectrum showing the wavelength and frequency is as follows:

the electromagnetic spectrum

Properties, Dangers and Uses

The properties dangers and applications of the varies waves on the em spectrum are in the table below.

WaveUsesDangers
Radio Waves
  • Radio transmitters
  • Radar
  • Television
  • None
    Microwaves
  • Microwave ovens
  • Communication system
  • Internal heating of body tissue
    Infra-red
  • Thermal imaging
  • Remote controls
  • Burns skin
    Light
  • Optic fibres
  • Seeing!
  • Strong light causes damage to vision.
    Ultra-violet
  • Washing powder (whiter than white)
  • Security marking
  • Skin cancer and blindness
    X raysTaking images of the skeletonMutations in cells and severe burns to the skin.
    Gamma Rays
  • Cancer treatment
  • Sterilisation of equipment
  • Cancers and cell mutation