Electromagnetic radiation refers to the propagation of energy through space in the form of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. It encompasses a broad spectrum of wavelengths and frequencies, ranging from very long radio waves to extremely short gamma rays.
The electromagnetic spectrum includes various types of radiation, each with its own unique properties and applications. The spectrum, in order of increasing frequency or decreasing wavelength, includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.
Electromagnetic radiation behaves both as particles, known as photons, and as waves. The particle-like nature of electromagnetic radiation is evident in phenomena like the photoelectric effect, where photons can interact with matter and transfer their energy to electrons.
The speed of electromagnetic radiation in a vacuum is constant and is denoted by the symbol "c," which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 186,282 miles per second).
Each type of electromagnetic radiation has distinct properties and interactions with matter. For example, radio waves are used for long-distance communication, microwaves are utilized in cooking and telecommunications, infrared radiation is associated with heat and thermal imaging, visible light enables human vision, ultraviolet radiation has effects on biological systems and is responsible for sunburn, X-rays are used in medical imaging, and gamma rays are highly energetic and can penetrate through materials.
Understanding and harnessing electromagnetic radiation have had profound impacts in various fields, including communication, technology, medicine, and scientific research.