The electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum

1. Radio waves

   • The longest wavelength, and the lowest frequency/energy
   • Uses - Television and radio (as these are reflected by the ionosphere)
   • Risks - probably none

2. Visible light

   • Uses - fibre optic communications
   • Medium wavelength, frequency and energy
   • Risks - activates sensitive cells in the retina

3. X-rays

   • Short wavelength, high frequency/energy
   • Uses - medical imaging and treatments
   • Risks - kills cells (high doses), can cause cells to become cancerous (low doses)

4. Microwaves

   • Long wavelength, low frequency/energy
   • Uses - satellite communications, cooking
   • Risks - heating of water in tissues can cause burning

5. Gamma rays

   • Risks - kills cancerous cells, kills living cells (high dose), can cause cells to become cancerous (low doses)
   • Shortest wavelength, highest frequency/energy
   • Uses - medical imaging and treatments

6. Ultraviolet

   • Short wavelength, high frequency/energy
   • Uses - energy efficient lamps, sun tanning
   • Risks - kills living cells (high dose), can cause cells to become cancerous (low dose)

7. Infrared

   • Long wavelength, low frequency/energy
   • Risks - causes burning of tissues
   • Uses - electric heaters, cooking, infrared cameras