Properties and applications of each part of the spectrum

1. Radio Waves

1. Longest wavelength and lowest frequency in the spectrum.
2. Used in radio broadcasting, television signals, and mobile communication.
3. Essential for radar and GPS technology.

2. Microwaves

1. Shorter wavelengths than radio waves, typically 1 mm to 1 m.
2. Used in microwave ovens to heat food by vibrating water molecules.
3. Critical for satellite communications, radar systems, and weather forecasting.

3. Infrared Waves

1. Wavelengths between 700 nm to 1 mm, emitted by all objects as heat.
2. Used in thermal imaging, night vision devices, and remote controls.
3. Plays a role in astronomy for studying celestial bodies.

4. Visible Light

1. The only part of the spectrum visible to the human eye.
2. Wavelengths range from 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).
3. Enables vision and is essential for photosynthesis.
4. Used in optical instruments, cameras, and lighting.

5. Ultraviolet (UV) Waves

1. Wavelengths between 10 nm to 400 nm.
2. Emitted by the Sun and used in UV sterilization to kill bacteria and viruses.
3. Helps in the synthesis of vitamin D in the human body.
4. Excess exposure can cause skin damage and cancer.

6. X-rays

1. Wavelengths range from 0.01 nm to 10 nm.
2. Widely used in medical imaging to view bones and internal structures.
3. Applications include security scanning and material analysis.
4. High doses are harmful due to their ionizing nature.

7. Gamma Rays

1. Shortest wavelength (less than 0.01 nm) and highest energy.
2. Produced by radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and cosmic phenomena.
3. Used in cancer therapy (radiotherapy) and sterilization of medical tools.
4. Penetrates most materials and requires shielding for safety.

8. Key Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

1. Travel at the speed of light in a vacuum (3 × 10⁸ m/s).
2. Exhibit phenomena like reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference.
3. Do not need a medium for propagation, can travel through a vacuum.
4. Energy increases with frequency, and energy decreases with wavelength.

9. Applications in Daily Life

1. Used in telecommunication, healthcare, entertainment, and space exploration.
2. Plays a key role in remote sensing, climate studies, and astronomical observations.
3. Helps in industrial inspection and scientific research.