Electromagnetic Spectrum
Radio waves:
They have very long wavelengths ranging from a few
centimetres to a few hundreds of kilometres. Radio
waves are produced by accelerated motion of charges
in a conducting wire. Frequency of waves produced by
the circuit depends upon the magnitudes of the
inductance and the capacitance. Thus, by choosing
suitable values of the inductance and the capacitance,
radio waves of desired frequency can be produced.
Uses :
1) Radio waves are used for wireless communication
purpose.
2) They are used for radio broadcasting and
transmission of TV signals.
3) Cellular phones use radio waves to
transmit voice communication in the ultra
high frequency (UHF) band.
Microwaves :
Beyond infrared radiation we find microwaves, with
wavelengths from 1 mm to 30 cm. Microwaves are
produced by oscillator electric circuits containing a
capacitor and an inductor. They heat certain
substances on which they are incident.
Uses
1) Used for the transmission of TV signals.
2) Used for long distance telephone communication.
3) Microwave ovens are used for cooking.
4) Used in radar systems for the location of distant
objects like ships, aeroplanes etc,
5) They are used in the study of atomic and molecular
structure.
Infrared (IR)
All hot bodies are sources of infrared rays. About 60%
of the solar radiations are infrared in nature.
Thermocouples, thermopile and bolometers are used to
detect infrared rays.
Properties
1) When infrared rays are incident on any object, the
object gets heated.
2) These rays are strongly absorbed by glass.
3) They can penetrate through thick columns of fog,
mist and cloud cover.
Uses
1) Used in remote sensing.
2) Used in diagnosis of superficial tumours and varicose
veins.
3) Used to cure infantile paralysis and to treat
sprains, dislocations and fractures.
4) They are used in Solar water heaters and cookers.
5) Special infrared photographs of the body called
thermograms, can reveal diseased organs because
these parts radiate less heat than the healthy organs.
6) Infrared binoculars and thermal imaging cameras
are used in military applications for night vision.
7) Used to keep green house warm.
8) Used in remote controls of TV, VCR, etc
TheVisible light:
It is the most familiar form of EM waves. These waves
are detected by human eye. Therefore this wavelength
range is called the visible light. The visible light is
emitted due to atomic excitations. Different
wavelengths give rise to different colours.
Ultraviolet light
On the short-wavelength side of visible light, this
electromagnetic region spans wavelengths ranging from
380 nm down to 10 nm. Ultraviolet light is sometimes
sub divided into three categories:
UV-A refers to the wavelength range 380–315 nm,
UV-B 315–280 nm and
UV-C 280–10 nm.
They cause photoelectric effect. They cannot pass
through glass but pass through quartz, fluorite, rock
salt etc. They possess the property of synthesizing
vitamin D, when skin is exposed to them.
Uses :
1) Ultraviolet rays destroy germs and bacteria and
hence they are used for sterilizing surgical instruments
and for purification of water.
2) Used in burglar alarms and security systems.
3) Used to distinguish real and fake gems.
4) Used in analysis of chemical compoun
X-rays
X rays are EM waves with wavelengths in the 10 nm to
10-4nm range. These can be produced when high-energy
electrons strike a metal target
They are high energy EM waves. They have high
penetrating power. Their over dose can kill living plant
and animal overdose tissues and hence are
harmful.
Uses
1) Useful in the study of the structure of crystals.
2) X-ray photographs are useful to detect bone
fracture. X-rays have many other medical uses such as
CT scan.
3) X-rays are used to detect flaws or cracks in
metals.
4) These are used for detection of explosives.
5) X-ray telescopes provide important information
from astronomical objects.
Gamma Rays
This type of EM radiation has its origin in nuclear
radioactive decay and certain other nuclear reactions.
Gamma rays have very short wavelengths in the
range from 0.1 nm to 10-14nm .
They are highest energy EM waves. (energy range keV
- GeV) .They are highly [Link] kill living
cells.
Uses
1) Used as insecticide disinfection for wheat
and flour.
2) Used for food preservation.
3) Used in radiotherapy for the treatment of
cancer and tumour.
4) They are used to produce nuclear
reactions.