How we Benefit from the Electromagnetic Spectrum
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Posted On : Mar-21-2009 | seen (394) times
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A chart, the electromagnetic spectrum, is referred to by scientists to categorize, study, and describe the different kinds of electromagnetic radiation. While electromagnetic waves can travel through space, sound waves require a medium to traverse through.
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A chart, the electromagnetic spectrum, is referred to by scientists to categorize, study, and describe the different kinds of electromagnetic radiation. While electromagnetic waves can travel through space, sound waves require a medium to traverse through. Though most radiation is relatively safe, more powerful radiation such as UV rays, x-rays, and gamma rays can be quite harmful. Diligent studies by scientists on the electromagnetic theory, makes sure that radiation emitting devices like computers, cell phones, and power lines will not harm us.
Seven simple types of radiation are included within the electromagnetic spectrum. From highest to lowest they are gamma, x-rays, ultra-violet, visible, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. Being able to reach up to the length of a football field, radio waves have the longest length. Even though we can’t visualize electromagnetic waves, they carry signals from radio, television, cell phones, and wireless Internet. Stars and space gases produce radio waves also. Microwaves are invisible and have a slightly shorter wavelength. Microwaves can transmit voices by phone, are able to work the Doppler weather radar, and filter through outer space detected as a faint background. When talking about the Big Bang Theory or studying the Milky Way, astronomers often refer to microwaves.
A relatively small portion of radiation is contained in infrared rays which are the third longest waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared is what the sun's heat is considered to be. Using infrared electromagnetic pulse, snakes can follow the movement of warm-blooded animals in a dark environment. Infrared heat sensors are used by us for military applications, hunting, and other interesting tasks, such as detecting unauthorized taping of movies in cinemas. Space dust in between stars is illuminated by infrared rays.
After radio, microwaves, and infrared radiation, "visible radiation" pertains to the only portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be viewed by the human eye. Types of electromagnetic fields for visible light are the sun, reflected light, fireflies, light bulbs, rainbows, stars, and fast-moving particles. We experience the effects of ultra-violet rays when sunburn occurs. These cancer-causing rays are generally thwarted by our ozone layer. However, damage can occur due to holes in the ozone layer or prolonged exposure. UV radiation is also emitted from stars and other hot objects.
Why is our existence so dependent on this electromagnetic spectrum? Apart from adding to a few of the most significant technologies of our time, the earth gets its energy from the sun, carried by light, which allows life to thrive on the earth. Unlike other planets of barren, frozen rock, our earth is blessed with photosynthesis, the water cycle, and an atmosphere. We should be appreciative of these electromagnetic waves on many levels.
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Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How we Benefit from the Electromagnetic Spectrum_202.aspx
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Author Resource :
As an expert in the electronics industry, specifically chip inductors, Cameron Tacassi knows everything from pulse transformers to Ferrite inductors. Working closely with a local power transformer manufacturer, Cameron’s knowledge of Ferrite toroid coil is unmatched in his field.
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Keywords : Power transformers, Common mode inductors, Common mode chokes, Inductor manufacturer, Power transformer manufacturer
Category : Product Reviews : Consumer Electronics
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