Electromagnetic radiation encompasses x-rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet, visible light, infrared, radio waves, and microwaves. The sort of electromagnetic radiation that different sources emit varies. Infrared and visible light is produced by light bulbs, whereas x-ray devices produce x-rays. Visible light makes up the majority of sunlight’s energy. Electromagnetic radiation can be harmful, as anyone who has used a microwave or received a sunburn is likely aware. Nuclear materials emit ionizing radiation, a type of high-energy radiation that is especially hazardous to living things. You should avoid going around peeled-open nuclear waste containers or playing around with x-ray machines because we are constantly exposed to a very small amount of ionizing radiation and experience very little damage from it.
How Does Electromagnetic Radiation Work?
Electromagnetic waves can be compared to a series of beach waves in that they both have peaks and troughs, travel in a comparatively regular pattern, and require energy to move.
- There are three ways to characterize electromagnetic radiation: energy, wavelength, or frequency.
- When describing electromagnetic waves, wavelengths are generally measured in standard units and expressed in meters (m).
- These waves’ frequency is expressed in Hertz (Hz), megahertz (MHz), and gigahertz (GHz), which you may be acquainted with from your car radio.
- It’s interesting to note that an electromagnetic wave’s frequency and wavelength are inversely proportionate, meaning that the frequency of the wave is inversely correlated with the wavelength and vice versa.
What are the Characteristics of Electromagnetic Radiation?
Electromagnetic radiation is composed of amplitude, frequencies, wavelengths, periods, and velocity. Each of these is described below:
1. Amplitude: The distance between a wave’s vertical displacement peak and its middle is known as the wave’s amplitude. It assesses the intensity of a fluctuation within a particular wave. In most cases, amplitude corresponds to the wave’s height or duration. More energy is represented by higher amplitude, whereas less energy is represented by reduced amplitude. Because it communicates a wave’s brightness or strength in relation to other waves, the amplitude is important.
2. Wavelength: The duration of an oscillation’s full cycle is its wavelength (λ). People can use the radio without experiencing any negative effects because longer wavelength waves, like radio waves, have a reduced energy content. The body can be harmed by waves with greater energy and shorter wavelengths, like x-rays. Following are some definitions of this frequency relationship:
c = λv
where,
c = Speed of light
λ = wavelength
v = frequency
3. Frequency: The entire number of cycles per second, or sec-1 or Hertz, is referred to as frequency. (Hz). Frequency can be expressed as Energy and frequency is immediately correlated.
E = hv
where,
E = energy
h = Planck’s constant (having a value of 6.62607 x 10-34 J)
v = frequency
4. Period: The amount of time it takes a wave to travel one frequency is known as its period (T). The calculation takes seconds.
5. Velocity: The following is a broad definition of wave velocity:
Velocity = λv
Where,
the frequency is v
Must See: What is Direct Beam Radiation?
