The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic Spectrum

• Definition: It is a range of all types of electromagnetic radiation

• Nickname: EMS

But what is radiation?

• Radiation is: Energy that travels throughout space (even around us)

• Video

Wavelength• Electromagnetic

Radiation can have different wavelengths

• Wavelengths tell us what type of radiation (energy) it is

• Short wavelengths have the most energy, and as the wave length get longer, the energy decreases

Wavelength

Short wavelengths• Lots of energy• Examples: Gamma rays

and x-rays

Long Wavelengths• Less energy• Examples: Radio and

Microwaves

Wavelengths• Light waves provide us with visible light• Visible light is colors that we can see

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Space

• The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) helps scientists study far away places in the universe and their movement in relation to the Earth

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Space

• Most stars emit light rays (visible light) which allows us to measure light years

• Radio waves help us explore space (radio telescope)

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Space

• Microwaves help us determine how far away galaxies are.

• Cosmic Microwave Radiation found in the universe helps support the Big Bang Theory

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Space

• EMS also helps us identify what elements stars are made of

• Each element on the periodic table absorbs light at different wavelengths creating a “fingerprint” on the EMS

• Black lines show us the fingerprint• Example of a “fingerprint” for Hydrogen