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Electromagnetic Spectrum

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9 views

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Uploaded by

fareeha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SUBMITTED BY: SAMMIA SALEEM

ID: 22003140003
PROGRAM: MS CHEM
COUSRE: MATERIAL CHEMISTRY
AFFILITATION: UMT SIALKOT
ASSIGNMENT: 3
What Is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of frequencies, wavelengths
and photon energies covering frequencies from below 1 hertz to above
1025 Hz, corresponding to wavelengths which are a few kilometres to a
fraction of the size of an atomic nucleus in the spectrum of
electromagnetic waves. Generally, in a vacuum, electromagnetic waves
tend to travel at speeds which is similar to that of light. However, they
do so at a wide range of wavelengths, frequencies and photon energies.

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of a span of all electromagnetic


radiation which further contains many subranges, which are commonly
referred to as portions. These can be further classified as infrared
radiation, visible light or ultraviolet radiation.

Electromagnetic Waves in the Electromagnetic Spectrum


The entire range (electromagnetic spectrum) is given by radio waves,
microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultra-violet radiation, X-
rays, gamma rays andThe type of radiation and their frequency and
wavelength ranges are as follows: cosmic rays in the increasing order of
frequency and decreasing order of wavelength.

Type of Radiation Frequency Range (Hz) Wavelength Range

Gamma-rays 1020 – 1024 < 10-12 m

X-rays 1017 – 1020 1 nm – 1 pm

Ultraviolet 1015 – 1017 400 nm – 1 nm

Visible 4 x 1014 – 7.5 x 1014 750 nm – 400 nm

Near-infrared 1 x 1014 – 4 x1014 2.5 μm – 750 nm

Infrared 1013 – 1014 25 μm – 2.5 μm

Microwaves 3 x 1011 – 1013 1 mm – 25 μm

Radio waves < 3 x 1011 > 1 mm

The electromagnetic spectrum can be depicted as follows:


Let us look into the uses of electromagnetic waves in our daily life.
Radio: A radio basically captures radio waves that are transmitted by
radio stations. Radio waves can also be emitted by gases and stars in
space. Radio waves are mainly used for TV/mobile communication.
Microwave: This type of radiation is found in microwaves and helps in
cooking at home/office. It is also used by astronomers to determine and
understand the structure of nearby galaxies and stars.
Infrared: It is used widely in night vision goggles. These devices can
read and capture the infrared light emitted by our skin and objects with
heat. In space, infrared light helps to map interstellar dust.
X-ray: X-rays can be used in many instances. For example, a doctor can
use an X-ray machine to take an image of our bones or teeth. Airport
security personnel use it to see through and check bags. X-rays are also
given out by hot gases in the universe.
Gamma-ray: It has a wide application in the medical field. Gamma-ray
imaging is used to see inside our bodies. Interestingly, the universe is the
biggest gamma-ray generator of all.
Ultraviolet: The Sun is the main source of ultraviolet radiation. It
causes skin tanning and burns. Hot materials that are in space also emit
UV radiation.
Visible: Visible light can be detected by our eyes. Light bulbs, stars,
etc., emit visible light.
Spectroscopy: Spectroscopy is used to study the way different
electromagnetic waves interact with matter.
We can learn about a substance by analysing the EM spectrum given by
it. When light scatters or passes through matter, it tends to interact with
molecules and atoms. Since atoms and molecules have resonance
frequencies, they directly interact with those light waves having the
exact frequencies. When collisions occur in an excited state, the atoms
and molecules emit light with a certain set of characteristic frequencies.
This further results in a line spectrum. Here, only light with detached
wavelengths is produced. The spectrum is also not continuous, but it
consists of a set of emission lines.
In cases where light with continuous wavelengths passes through a low-
density material, the atoms and molecules of the material will absorb
light waves with the same set of characteristic frequencies. This results
in the production of the absorption spectrum, which is a nearly
continuous spectrum with missing lines.

Significance of the Electromagnetic Spectrum


The electromagnetic waves in these different bands have different
characteristics depending upon how they are produced, how they interact
with matter and their practical applications. Maxwell’s equations
predicted the existence of an infinite number of frequencies of
electromagnetic waves, all travelling with the speed of light. This is the
first indication of the existence of the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
Nonetheless, the main significance of the electromagnetic spectrum is
that it can be used to classify electromagnetic waves and arrange them
according to their different frequencies or wavelengths.
Practical Applications of Electromagnetic Waves
● The radio waves and microwaves discovered by Hertz paved the way
for wireless television, radio and mobile communication.
● The visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is the reason
for all visual aids in daily life. This is the portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum that helps us to see all objects, including colours.
● The X-rays discovered by Roentgen proved to be useful in medicine
for detecting many ailments or deformities in bones.
● The high ultraviolet radiation has energies to ionise the atoms causing
chemical reactions.
● The gamma rays discovered by Paul Villard are useful for ionisation
purposes and nuclear medicine.

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