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What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

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Quick answer

The electromagnetic spectrum is the full range of light and related waves — from radio waves and microwaves to visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays. They all travel at the speed of light and differ only in their wavelength and energy.

Key things to understand

  1. It's the full range of electromagnetic waves.
  2. It spans radio, microwave, infrared, visible, UV, X-ray, gamma.
  3. Visible light is just a tiny slice of it.
  4. Shorter wavelengths carry more energy.

People also ask

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
The complete range of electromagnetic waves, from low-energy radio waves to high-energy gamma rays.
Is visible light part of the electromagnetic spectrum?
Yes — visible light is a small band in the middle of the spectrum, the part our eyes can see.
What's the difference between the types of waves?
They differ in wavelength and energy: radio waves are long and low-energy; gamma rays are short and high-energy.