Electromagnetic Waves Essay

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Electromagnetic Waves What are Electromagnetic waves? How are they related and affect Physics? Electromagnetic waves can be described as a wave that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, which radiate outward from the source at the speed of light. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays. Electromagnetic waves vary depending on frequency and wavelength. In classical electromagnetic wave theory, light is considered to be a wave composed of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. These fields are perpendicular to the direction in which the wave moves. Therefore, electromagnetic waves are transverse waves. The electric and magnetic fields are also at right angles to each other. Electromagnetic waves are distinguished by their different frequencies and wavelengths. In visible light, these differences in frequency and wavelengths account for different colors. The difference in frequencies and wavelengths also distinguishes visible light from invisible electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays. There are seven different types of electromagnetic waves. One is radio waves which are used in AM and FM radio televisions. Another is microwaves are used in radar, atomic and molecular research, aircraft navigation, and microwaves ovens. Another is Infrared waves are used in molecular vibrational spectra, infrared photography, and physical therapy. Another is visible light, which is used in optical microscopy and optical astronomy. Another is ultraviolet light, which is used in sterilization of medical instruments, identification of fluorescent minerals. Another is X-rays, which is used in medical examination of bones, teeth, and vital organs and in the treatment for types of cancer. And finally gamma rays, which is used in examination of thick materials for

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