Radio Waves:
Radio waves have the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies in the Electro-Magnetic Spectrum. They range in wavelength from several kilometers down to a few millimeters and have frequencies from a few kilohertz (kHz) to several gigahertz (GHz). Radio waves are used for various applications, including broadcasting, communication, and navigation.
Microwaves:
Microwaves have shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than radio waves. Their wavelengths range from millimeters to centimeters, and their frequencies range from several gigahertz (GHz) to hundreds of gigahertz (GHz). Microwaves are commonly used in communication systems, radar, satellite broadcasting, and microwave ovens.
Infrared Radiation:
Infrared radiation has wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. Its wavelengths range from several micrometers (µm) to hundreds of micrometers (µm), and its frequencies range from several hundred gigahertz (GHz) to tens of terahertz (THz). Infrared radiation is emitted by warm objects and is used in applications such as thermal imaging, remote sensing, and infrared spectroscopy.
Visible Light:
Visible light is the portion of the Electro-Magnetic Spectrum that can be perceived by the human eye. Its wavelengths range from about 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nanometers (nm), and its frequencies range from approximately 430 terahertz (THz) to 790 terahertz (THz). Visible light is used in various applications, including illumination, photography, and spectroscopy.
Ultraviolet Radiation:
Ultraviolet radiation has shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than visible light. Its wavelengths range from about 10 nanometers (nm) to 400 nanometers (nm), and its frequencies range from several tens of terahertz (THz) to several hundred terahertz (THz). Ultraviolet radiation is emitted by the sun and is used in applications such as tanning, disinfection, and astronomy.
X-rays:
X-rays have even shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than ultraviolet radiation. Their wavelengths range from about 0.01 nanometers (nm) to 10 nanometers (nm), and their frequencies range from several hundred terahertz (THz) to tens of petahertz (PHz). X-rays are produced by high-energy processes and are used in medical imaging, security screening, and crystallography.
Gamma Rays:
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies in the Electro-Magnetic Spectrum. Their wavelengths are less than 0.01 nanometers (nm), and their frequencies exceed tens of petahertz (PHz). Gamma rays are produced by radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and astronomical events. They are used in medical imaging, cancer therapy, and astronomy.
In summary, radio waves have the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies among all the waves in the Electro-Magnetic Spectrum. As we move higher in the spectrum, wavelengths become shorter, and frequencies increase. Each wave type has its unique properties and applications, playing a crucial role in various fields of science, technology, and communication.