An Introduction to the
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Agnitej, Shivi, Preet, Yohan
What is Electromagnetic Spectrum?
Electromagnetic spectrum is
the range of frequencies or
wavelengths over which
electromagnetic radiation
extends.
Electromagnetic energy is
used in your everyday life;
when you watch TV or when
you send messages.
What order are the radiations in?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Infrared rays
X rays
Radio waves
Microwaves
Gamma rays
UV rays
How are Electromagnetic radiations classified and on
what basis?
The electromagnetic radiation are classified on the range of their frequencies and
their respective wavelengths and photon energies. The classification of EM goes
in the increasing order of wavelength which is dependant on the type of radiation.
There are no physical boundaries on what defines the different types of EM, but
rather they fade out into each other. Radiation of every frequency contains a mix of
properties of the regions that surround it.
Properties of Electromagnetic waves
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All electromagnetic radiation/waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum
All rays exhibit reflection, refraction, and diffraction
They have a transverse wave nature
They follow the wave formula (v = fλ)
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V and f are constant in a particular medium
They carry energy from one place to another and can be absorbed to cause
heating and other effects
Propagation
Propagate without medium
Can move through solid, vacuum, air
Formed by the vibration of an electric charge
Causes the electrons of an atom to vibrate once hitting it
Forms a new wave of the same frequency
Absorbed again by another atom and reemitted and duplicated
Absorption and emission of the wave decreases its speed
Thank you!