Radio waves are produced by the vibration of electrons, and can be classified according to their frequency:
- Long waves: Long waves have the lowest frequencies and longest wavelengths, and are used for AM radio broadcasting.
- Medium waves: Medium waves have higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths than long waves, and are used for AM radio broadcasting and some marine communications.
- Short waves: Short waves have higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths than medium waves, and are used for international radio communication, maritime communication, and some military applications.
- Ultra short waves: Ultra short waves have the highest frequencies and shortest wavelengths, and are used for FM radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, and other high-frequency applications.
Radio waves are a form of non-ionizing radiation, meaning that they do not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules. This makes them safe for use in a variety of applications.
Radio waves are also used in a variety of medical applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays.