Grouping the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum by frequency

The Electromagnetic Spectrum is a range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, characterised by various frequencies or wavelengths.

Frequency refers to the number of waves that pass a fixed place in a given amount of time, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Wavelength is the distance between corresponding points of two consecutive waves.

The electromagnetic spectrum is grouped into different regions based on frequency: Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light, Ultraviolet, X-rays, and Gamma rays.

Radio waves have the lowest frequencies and longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.

They range from 3 Hz to about 300 GHz in frequency.

They are widely used for television and radio transmission.

Microwaves follow radio waves in the spectrum and range from 300 GHz to 300 THz.

They are used for radar, satellite and mobile communication, and microwave ovens.

Infrared frequencies range between 300 GHz (0.3 THz) and 430 THz.

These waves are applied in thermal imaging cameras, fibre-optic cables, and television remotes.

Visible light ranges from 430 THz to 790 THz.

It is the part of the spectrum that can be detected by the human eye.

This spectrum gives us the colours we see, ranging from red (lower frequency) to violet (higher frequency).

Ultraviolet (UV) frequencies are between 750 THz and 30 PHz.

UV rays are used for sterilisation, detecting forged bank notes, and by bees and butterflies for visual navigation.

X-rays fall between 30 PHz and 30 EHz in the spectrum.

X-rays are primarily used in medical imaging and in treatment of cancers

Gamma rays have the highest frequencies of more than 30 EHz.

They can be destructive due to their high energy and are used for sterilisation, treating cancers, and as a by-product in nuclear power plants.