Figure 9 The electromagnetic spectrum consists of radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Interpreting Diagrams Which waves of the electromagnetic spectrum have the longest wavelengths?

A diagram showing the electromagnetic spectrum, the full range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation,  in order of increasing frequency from left to right. Each kind of wave is characterized by a range of wavelengths and frequencies.

Today, radiation beyond the red end of the color band is called infrared radiation. Herschel experimented with infrared radiation and found it had many of the same properties as visible light. With these experiments, Herschel opened the door to the study of invisible types of electromagnetic radiation.

The full range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation is called the electromagnetic spectrum. Figure 9 shows the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in order of increasing frequency from left to right. Visible light is the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that you can see, but it is just a small part. The electromagnetic spectrum includes radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each kind of wave is characterized by a range of wavelengths and frequencies. All of these waves have many useful applications.

Radio Waves

Radio waves have the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, from 1 millimeter to as much as thousands of kilometers or longer. Because they are the longest waves, radio waves also have the lowest frequencies in the spectrum—300,000 megahertz (MHz) or less. Radio waves are used in radio and television technologies, as well as in microwave ovens and radar.


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Table of Contents

Physical Science CHAPTER 1 Science Skills CHAPTER 2 Properties of Matter CHAPTER 3 States of Matter CHAPTER 4 Atomic Structure CHAPTER 5 The Periodic Table CHAPTER 6 Chemical Bonds CHAPTER 7 Chemical Reactions CHAPTER 8 Solutions, Acids, and Bases CHAPTER 9 Carbon Chemistry CHAPTER 10 Nuclear Chemistry CHAPTER 11 Motion CHAPTER 12 Forces and Motion CHAPTER 13 Forces in Fluids CHAPTER 14 Work, Power, and Machines CHAPTER 15 Energy CHAPTER 16 Thermal Energy and Heat CHAPTER 17 Mechanical Waves and Sound CHAPTER 18 The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Light CHAPTER 19 Optics CHAPTER 20 Electricity CHAPTER 21 Magnetism CHAPTER 22 Earth's Interior CHAPTER 23 Earth's Surface CHAPTER 24 Weather and Climate CHAPTER 25 The Solar System CHAPTER 26 Exploring the Universe Skills and Reference Handbook