Electromagnetic Spectrum
E.m waves Frequency range Wave length range
1. Radio wave 104 to108 HZ >0.1 m
2. Micro wave 109 to 1012 HZ 1mm to 0.1m
3. Infrared radiation 1012 to 4×1014 HZ 1mm to 350nm
4. Visible ray 4×1014 HZ to 8×1014 HZ 350nm to 750nm
3500A◦ to 7500 A◦
5. Ultraviolet radiation 1014 to 1016 HZ 750nm to 1nm
6. X-rays 1017 to 1019 HZ 1nm to 10-3nm
7. R-rays 1019 to 1020HZ < 10-3 nm
𝐜
Note: 𝛎 =
𝛌
Where c=3 × 108 ms-1
Uses of E.M waves
1) Radio wave:
a) Radio waves are produced by oscillating electric circuits having Inductor & capacitor.
b) The electromagnetic waves produced in Hertz’s experiment were Radio waves.
c) These waves are used for communication purposes like Radio, Television broadcast,
mobile, telephone wireless & cordless communication
2) Micro wave:
a) These are produced by special vacuum tubes like magnetron.
b) Due to large frequency micro waves are able to travel in straight lines up to long
distances & due to this reason, micro waves are used in
I. Very long distance communication via satellite.
II. Speed guns to determine the speed of moving automobile, cricket ball etc.
III. Rader systems used in air craft navigation.
IV. Microwaves are used in microwave oven for cooking purpose. In microwave
ovens, the frequency of micro wave produced is matched with natural
frequency of water molecules. so, the resonance occurs & water molecules in
the water vibrate at higher amplitude & transfer energy to nearby food
molecules, resulting in heating up of food.
V. These are also used to study atomic structure.
3) Infrared waves:
a) These waves are produced by hot bodies and molecules.
b) Infrared waves when fall upon a surface, then on absorbing them, the surface gets
heated up. So, infrared waves are then also called heat radiations.
c) Infrared waves are used in
I. Physical therapy to treat muscular strains.
II. In taking photography during the conditions of fog, smoke etc. as these
waves scatter less than the visible rays & hence can travel larger distance
through atmosphere.
III. In keeping earth’s surface warm by green house effect
IV. To provide electrical energy using solar cells.
V. Used in remote switches of household electronic system.
4) Visible light:
a) It is produced by very hot bodies like sun, electric bulb, tube etc.
b) Visible light is of wave length range 350nm to 750nm or 3500 A◦ to 7500 A◦
c) Our eyes are sensitive only to the visible light of electronic magnetic spectrum so,
visible light is used by us to see our surroundings.
5) Ultraviolet rays:
a) These are produced by special lamps like mercury arc lamps & very hot bodies like
sun.
b) Ultraviolet rays in solar radiations on reaching earth are absorbed by the ozone layer
in atmosphere. Ultraviolet radiations in large quantities have harmful effect on
humans.
c) Ultraviolet rays are used
I. To study molecular structure
II. In sterilization to destroy microbes like bacteria virus etc in the water
III. In Burglar alarms as they can cause photo electric effect
6) X-rays:
a) These are produced by Coolidge x-ray tube by bombarding a metal target by high
energy electrons.
b) X-ray are used in
I. In medical application like detection of stones etc in human bodies.
II. In radio therapy, to cure skin diseases & certain forms of cancer.
III. To scan luggage for explosives, guns etc
IV. In engineering for detection of faults and cracks in finished metal products
V. To study crystal structure of solids.
atomic < molecular<crystal IR<ultraviolet<x-rays
7) γ-rays:
a) γ -rays are produced in nuclear reads &are also emitted by radioactive nuclei
b) γ -rays are used in
I. Radiotherapy to treat certain cancers & tumors.
II. To produce nuclear reactions.
