Researchers utilize the electromagnetic spectrum, which is a chart to classify, examine and explain the different forms of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic waves can travel through space, while sound waves require a medium to traverse through. Most radiation isn't hazardous, but stronger radiation like UV rays, x-rays, and gamma rays can be very dangerous. To minimize the injurious effect of radiation generated by products like computers, cell phones, and power lines, scientists constantly study the relationship between our world and the electromagnetic field.
Seven simple types of radiation are included within the electromagnetic spectrum. From highest to lowest they are gamma, x-rays, ultra-violet, visible, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. Being able to reach up to the length of a football field, radio waves have the longest length. Even though we can’t visualize electromagnetic waves, they carry signals from radio, television, cell phones, and wireless Internet. Stars and space gases produce radio waves also. Microwaves are invisible and have a slightly shorter wavelength. Microwaves can transmit voices by phone, are able to work the Doppler weather radar, and filter through outer space detected as a faint background. When talking about the Big Bang Theory or studying the Milky Way, astronomers often refer to microwaves.
Infrared radiation is the third longest wave in the electromagnetic spectrum and carries small amounts of radiation. Heat from the sun is thought of as infrared. Using infrared electromagnetic pluses, snakes can track warm-blooded animals in the dark. We utilize infrared heat sensors for military tactics, hunting, and even to apprehend bootleggers who copy movies in theaters illegally. In space, infrared light illuminates the dust between stars.
After radio, microwaves and infrared radiation, "visible radiation" pertains to the one portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which the human eye can see. Types of electromagnetic fields for visible light include the sun, reflected light, fireflies, light bulbs, rainbows, stars, and fast-moving particles. Ultra-violet rays are not visible, but we can feel their effects when we get sunburned. Our ozone layer usually shields us from these carcinogenic rays.
Damage can occur due to holes forming in the ozone layer, as well as from prolonged exposure. UV radiation is also emitted from stars and other very hot objects.
Why is our existence so dependent on the electromagnetic spectrum? Besides contributing to some of the greatest technologies on earth, our planet receives its energy from the sun, through light, which keeps the world flourishing. Our earth has photosynthesis, water cycle, and an atmosphere, which makes it different than other planets, which are just uninhabitable, frozen rocks. We can be very grateful for these electromagnetic waves.
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