EM spectrum

radio waves

• low end of spectrum

• used in MRI

• long wavelength, low frequency

• does not ionize atoms

microwaves

• transmit cell signal, heat food

• low end of spectrum

• does not ionize atoms

infrared light

• used by remote controls

• lower end of spectrum

• does not ionize atoms

visible light

• represents the colors we see

• does not ionize atoms

• middle of spectrum

ultraviolet

• used in tanning beds or the sun

• can be harmful

• middle to higher end of spectrum

• does not ionize atoms

x-rays

• high enough energy, it usually is received as a particle

• originates with interactions involving atoms

• does ionize atoms

• high end of spectrum

gamma rays

• high enough energy, it usually is received as a particle

• originates from the nucleus of an atom

• does ionize atoms

• short wavelength, high frequency

• high end of spectrum