Electromagnetic Waves
By Amanda Schneider
What Disturbance Causes an Electromagnetic Wave?
Difference Between Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves, unlike mechanical waves are capable of traveling through a vacuum, while mechanical waves require a medium to travel through. Also, electromagnetic waves contain two parts: the electric part and the magnetic part. Mechanical waves only contain one part.
Types of ED Radiation
These radiations are listed in order of highest to lowest frequency. Therefore, they are also in order of lowest to highest energy level.
Gamma Rays: These waves have the shortest wavelengths less than .01 nm. They also have the highest frequency, and most energetic region of the EM spectrum.
X-Rays: These waves range in wavelength anywhere from .01-10 nm. They have
Ultraviolet Rays: These waves have wavelengths ranging from 10-310 nm.
Visible Light: These waves cover the range of 400-700 nm for wavelength.
Infrared Light: These waves have wavelengths from 710 nm-1 ml
Microwaves: These waves have wavelengths from 1 m to 1 ml.
Radio Waves: These have wavelengths longer than 1 mm. These waves also have the lowest energy rates and have the lowest frequency.