The Electromagnetic Spectrum A continuous range of oscillating electric and magnetic waves. The energy in an electromagnetic wave increases as the frequency is increased following E=hf, where h=6.63x Js (Planck’s constant). All components of the electromagnetic spectrum travel at 3.00 x10 8 m/s in a vacuum. As the frequency of an electromagnetic wave increases, the wavelength decreases And visa-versa.

Power Waves Electromagnetic waves of frequency 60 Hz resulting from alternating current. Frequency: 60 Hz Wavelength: 5x10 6 m

Radio Waves Electromagnetic waves that oscillate between x10 6 Hz. Wavelength: m AM:.53x10 6 Hz to 1.7x10 6 Hz (570m to 186 m) FM: 88x10 6 Hz to 108x10 6 Hz (3.4 m to 2.8m) TV: 54X10 6 Hz to 890x10 6 Hz (5.6 m to.34 m)

Microwaves Electromagnetic waves that oscillate from 10 9 to Hz that has a corresponding wavelength of m to m. Used are in radar, communication and food applications.

Infrared Radiation to Hz (10 -3 to m) The frequency range that heat is emitted.

Visible Light The range of electromagnetic energy that stimulates the retina of the eye x10 14 Hz (7x10 -7 m to 4x10 -7 m or 700 nm to 400 nm) ROYGBIV Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. The frequency of light increases from red to violet. The wavelength of light decreases from red to violet. Each wavelength is approximately 50 nm long.

Ultraviolet Radiation to Hz (10 -7 to m) The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum responsible for sunburn Ozone absorbs ultraviolet rays. Most ultraviolet rays are absorbed by glass.

X-rays to Hz ( to m) X-Rays are absorbed by denser materials.

Gamma Rays Above Hz (below m) Produced in nuclear reactions and certain types of radioactive activity. See pages