7 Types of Electromagnetic Waves

1. Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
2. How Many Types of Waves Are There?
3. Which Electromagnetic Wave Has the Longest Wavelength?
4. Which Wave Has the Shortest Wavelength?

In relation to the incidence of oscillations, electromagnetic waves (EMW) have different effects on our organism and are implemented for various technical purposes. The diapason of EW covers from 10-13m (radiation of atoms and cores) up to 10-1m or more. The intensity of emission and the velocity of the diffusion of EW rely on the qualities of the environment. 

In our article we will consider in detail the features of all types of W, as well as recommendations for studying them. 

Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

EW is the process of spreading in the space of E and M fields (in general abbreviated as EMF), which are periodically changed. It is a transverse type of wave. H.Hertz first investigated their properties. They are emitted by charges moving with acceleration or alternating EF and MF. 

If there is an alternating EF at a certain point in space, it creates an alternating MF, which in turn creates an alternating EF, etc. As a result, EMWs are spread in space. Power characteristics of the EMF:

• the voltage of EF E;
• magnetic induction B.

Direct characteristics of electromagnetic waves:

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How Many Types of Waves Are There?

EM emanation, or radiation (abbreviated formula EMR) has a single physical nature, but differs in incidence, and therefore, in a length of W. In this regard, 7 types of EMW are distinguished. Below is the list of the following types of electromagnetic radiation in order of decreasing wavelength.

A person without the help of devices can perceive only a very small part of the EM extent, which is called the visible part of this spectrum or its light range. Light-sensitive eye cells respond to the emission of a certain light range, thanks to which a person gets a sense of light. 

And according to the length of W, we can perceive different colors. The shortest Ws cause a sensation of purple light, then, as the length of W increases, a sensation of other colors arises: light-blue, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. The length of the start point – violet light – is 380 nm and red light length is 750 nm. In other areas of this range, EMR is invisible to a human eye.

The MW (microwave) are shorter than radio-waves, the length of W is measured in centimeters. These are UHF (High Frequency) emission with a length from 30 cm and an incidence of 1GHz up to 1mm with an incidence of 300GHz. However, the border between infrared, terahertz, microwave radiation and ultra-frequency radio-waves are approximate and can be determined in a variety of methods.

Which Electromagnetic Wave Has the Longest Wavelength?

Ws with an even longer wavelength (> 500μm) are called radio-waves. Since their range is enormous in itself, it consists of several areas. Ultra-short Ws are the most widely used at present, which, in turn, are meter, decimeter, centimeter and millimeter.

This class of W is used for radio and television broadcasts, in mobile phones, in medical and astronomical research and in many other fields. In radio engineering, the following Ws are also used for various types of communication: short; medium; long; extra-long. RW is the answer to the question which of the following types of electromagnetic radiation has the lowest frequency? They occupy part of the frequency range of EMW with length from 100km to 1mm, which correspond frequencies from 3kHz to 300GHz.

The latter possess a very low pace and consequently a large length of W. In nature, they occur during lightning discharges. Extra-long waves fade slightly as they spread and are very stable in amplitude. Due to this, they are widely utilized in global radio systems for long-distance transmission. In addition, these W penetrate deeply into the water and into the Earth's stratum, which allows them to be used for connection with underwater and underground objects.

Optimal doses of rays activate the action of a heart, metabolism, increase the activity of respiratory enzymes, improve hematopoiesis, have antirachitic and bactericidal effects. The duration of exposure of large doses of radiation can lead to skin and eye lesions.

Which Wave Has the Shortest Wavelength?

It is gamma emission, or hard emission. It is formed in reactions involving atomic nuclei and elementary particles. If you are interested in which wave has the highest frequency, then it is this type of rays. Their incidence reaches more than 6× 1019 Hz.

The ability to solve problems on this topic requires knowledge of many formulas and a thorough understanding of physical properties. Where is it better to get such knowledge than during training with a personal physics tutor? After all, the control and support of a teacher is essential in mastering the practical part.