Types of Radiation: Understanding the Electromagnetic Spectrum
by Yuvi K - December 17, 2023
Types of Radiation Explained – Understanding the Electromagnetic Spectrum
We are surrounded by energy in varying forms. Radiation is also one such energy which has various types and is present here around us continuously without us realizing it. From the sun to the electricity in our homes, radiation can simply be defined as the transfer of energy across space. Let us explore the different types of radiation and understand what is the Electromagnetic spectrum which play a role in this.
What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
The Electromagnetic spectrum (वैद्युतिक ब्रह्मांड) is an arrangement of all electromagnetic radiation according to energy level or frequency. It includes various types of waveforms from very long wavelengths and low energy, such as radio waves, to very short wavelengths and high energy, such as gamma rays.
The electromagnetic spectrum consists of invisible forms of radiation, including gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared radiation, microwaves, and radio waves.
Different Types of Radiation
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into different categories, according to the wavelength or frequency of the radiation, as shown in the table below.
| Types of Radiation | Wavelength | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Radio Waves | 0.5 m to 100 km | 0.047 MHz to 300 GHz |
| Microwaves | Few cm to 1 meter | 300 MHz to 300 GHz |
| Infrared | 0.7 µm to 1000 µm | 3000 GHz to 400 THz |
| Visible Light | 0.4 µm to 0.7 µm | 4 THz to 7.5 THz |
| Ultraviolet | 10 nm to 400 nm | 750 THz to 30 PHz |
| X-rays | 0.1 nm to 10 nm | 30 PHz to 30 EHz |
| Gamma Rays | Below 0.1 nm | Above 30 EHz |
Radio Waves
Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with the longest wavelength, ranging from 0.5 m to 100 km. They are further divided into low frequency (LF), medium frequency (MF), high frequency (HF), very high frequency (VHF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF). Radio waves can travel over long distances and are used for broadcasting, radio and television communications, and navigation.
Microwaves
Microwaves are the electromagnetic radiation with the shortest wavelength on the low-energy end of the spectrum. They have wavelengths of a few centimeters to one meter and frequencies in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz (300 million to 300 billion Hz), which makes them very good at carrying data. They are used in telecommunication devices such as cell phones, wireless networks, satellite transmission, and remote sensing.
Infrared Radiation (IR radiation)
IR radiation is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 0.7 µm and 1000 µm and frequencies between 3000 GHz and 400 THz. It is quite often referred to as “invisible light” as the human eye cannot detect it. IR radiation is used for heating applications, medical imaging, and night vision.
Visible Light
Visible light, with wavelengths ranging from 0.4 µm to 0.7 µm and frequencies between 4 THz to 7.5 THz, is a type of light that is visible to the human eye. It is used in applications such as photography, lighting, and signaling.
Ultraviolet Radiation (UV Radiation)
UV radiation is an electromagnetic radiation with wavelength between 10 nm and 400 nm and frequencies between 750 THz and 30 PHz. UV radiation is divided into three categories: UVA, UVB, and UVC, depending on its wavelength and frequency. It has different applications in science such as sterilization, forensics, and astronomy, as well as in everyday life, such as UV tattooing and sun tanning.
X-rays
X-rays are a type of high energy electromagnetic radiation with wavelength between 0.1 nm and 10nm and frequencies between 30 PHz and 30 EHz. They are used for medical imaging, analyzing the structure of materials, and in airport security.
Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are the most energetic type of electromagnetic radiation and have the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies. They have wavelengths below 0.1nm and frequencies above 30EHz. They have applications in fields such as astronomy, forensics, radiotherapy, and nuclear power.
Conclusion
Radiation is a type of energy which is present here all around us in various forms. On the electromagnetic spectrum, different types of radiation can be found, ranging from radio waves to gamma rays. These different types of radiation have various applications in science, health, communication, and everyday life.
We hope that the article has helped you to understand the different types of radiation and the Electromagnetic spectrum.
