Radiation wavelength

oooo

Radiation wavelength
Visible light is the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum
that can be seen with the human eye.
o

oooo

Atoms
The atom comprises three particles:
electrons (-), protons (+) and neutrons.
o

energy that is given out by atoms at high speed is called radiation – two main forms; electromagnetic radiation and atomic particles.
o

oooo

BSL Version

oooo

Electromagnetic radiation

oooo

gamma rays radioactivity – atoms decays (break down) to send out gamma rays and particles.

oooo

BSL Version

oooo

oooo
oooo

oooo

electromagnetic radiation is electric and magnetic fields that move in tiny bursts of waves or photons.
o

BSL Version

oooo

oooo
oooo

oooo

there are different kinds of electromagnetic radiation, each with different wavelengths.
o
together, these forms of electromagnetic radiation are called the electromagnetic spectrum.
o
all electromagnetic rays move the speed of light – 299,792,458 metres per seconds.
o
everything that can be detached in space is picked up by the radiation that it gives out.
radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays are all types of electromagnetic radiation.
o
radio waves have the longest wavelength.
o
gamma rays have the shortest wavelength.
o
o

BSL Version

oooo

oooo
oooo

very short wave
o
energetic and dangerous form
of electromagnetic radiation.
o
gamma rays telescope discovers extremely luminous gamma-ray sources (see YouTube).
o

oooo

BSL Version

oooo

oooo
oooo

oooo

radio waves are a long wave
o
low-energy radiation
o
communication: radio waves are used for broadcasting television and radio, mobile phones, and satellite communications.
o
other applications: radio waves are also used in microwave ovens, radar, and industrial and medical applications.
o
safety: radio waves don’t damage the human body if absorbed
o

oooo

BSL Version

oooo

Back to The Universe / next to Nuclear Energy page.