Question

What are the different types of electromagnetic waves?

Answer 1

Electromagnetic waves.

A schematic diagram of an electromagnetic wave is given below.

Types of electromagnetic waves.

The different kinds of electromagnetic waves are as follows:

1. Radio waves - Radio waves are the lowest-frequency waves in the EM spectrum and are utilized for data transmission from transmitters, satellites, as well as radars.
2. Microwaves - Microwaves are the second-lowest frequency waves in the EM spectrum. These waves have been utilized for data transmissions, heating foodstuff, etc.
3. UV (Ultraviolet) waves - Solar energy generates ultraviolet radiation. These waves have even shorter wavelengths than visible light. Exposure to this radiation leads to sunburns and can cause cancer in living organisms.
4. X-rays - These are extremely high-energy waves with wavelengths ranging from $0.03\mathrm{nm}$ to $3\mathrm{nm}$, However, they are not much longer than an atom. X-rays are emitted by sources producing very high temperatures like the sun's corona, which is much hotter than the surface of the sun. These waves were also utilized in imaging technology to obtain images of the bone structures inside the body of an organism.
5. Gamma rays - These waves are the highest-frequency EM waves, and are emitted by only the most energetic cosmic objects such as pulsars, neutron stars, supernovas, and black holes.
6. Infrared - Infrared waves are in the lower-middle range of frequencies in the EM spectrum, between microwaves and visible light. Its size ranges from a few millimeters down to microscopic lengths.
7. Visible light - The most noticeable natural source of visible light is the sun. The different colors of the objects are perceived based on the wavelengths of light an object absorbs and reflects. The visible band falls in the range of wavelengths of from $390\mathrm{nm}$ to $700\mathrm{nm}$.

A diagram of am electromagnetic spectrum is shown below.