The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic waves pervade all of space. They come in all energies – from high energy gamma rays to very low energy radio waves. Electromagnetic radiation has many uses. Some are shown in the table below.

Type of Electromagnetic Radiation

Use

Radio waves

Communication – TV, Radio

Microwaves

In microwave ovens

Infra Red

Remote controls

Visible

Exactly. We see with it

Ultraviolet

Sunbeds, in sterilisation equipment

X – Rays

Imaging (X- Rays)

Gamma Rays

Medicine – used to treat cancer