Applications of electromagnetic waves

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Applications of electromagnetic waves

Introduction:

Electromagnetic spectrum  consists of various types of waves . In 1887, Heinrich Hertz,  a German physicist proved  the existence of the electromagnetic waves  predicted by James clerk Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism  . It took a bit longer for scientists to discover the higher-energy (shorter wavelength) light in the electromagnetic spectrum .Here in this article, I will cover topics like electromagnetic waves, their definitions,  and their applications. 

Applications of electromagnetic waves 

A . Gamma rays :

These are the rays which are emitted from the nuclei of some radio active elements. Their wavelength is shortest of all electromagnetic waves  . The frequency of gamma rays is highest of all the electro magnetic waves. 

Applications :

1)  Gamma rays are used in radiotherapy. In hospitals, gamma rays are used to treat cancer and tumors. 

2) Gamma rays are used to produce nuclear reactions. 

3)  They are used by the food industries for killing of micro organisms. It helps to preserve the foodstuffs for a prolonged time.

Applications of electromagnetic waves

B .  X-rays 

The X-rays were first discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen. These rays can be produced by bombarding a target of high atomic number with fast moving electrons. 

Applications :

X-rays have been found to be of great use in the fields which are described below :

1) surgery : 

X-rays are used in surgery for the detection of fracture, foreign matter like bullets in the human body. They are also used to diagnose the disease. 

2) Radiotherapy :

For deep seated organs hard X-rays are used and if the affected parts are superficial soft X-rays are used. 

3) Industry :

X-rays are used in industry for detecting the uniformity of insulating material and homogeneity of timber. They can also be used to examine the defect in rubber tyres, golf and tennis balls ,etc. 

4) Engineering :

They can also be used in detecting the flaws, cracks and faults in finished metal products. 

5) Scientific research :

They have been used in investing the structure of many complex atom systems. 

6) Detective departments:

X-rays are being used by detective departments for detection of explosives and other materials like opium.

C.  Ultraviolet rays :

These rays are produced by passing a discharge through hydrogen. These rays are very harmful for the living tissue. These rays were first discovered by Ritter in 1801.

Applications :

1)  Ultraviolet rays  are used for checking the mineral samples by making use of its property of causing fluorescence. 

2) Ultraviolet absorption spectra can be used for studying of molecular structure. 

3) These rays destroy bacteria and hence it is used for sterilizing surgical instruments. 

4) These rays can cause the photoelectric effect and are used in burglar alarm. 

D.  Visible light :

It is the only part of the spectrum which is detected by the human eye. It is one of the most familiar part of electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light which is reflected by the objects provide us information about the whole world. 

Applications :

1) Visible Light Communication is a preferred communication technique because of its   immunity and high band width to interference from electromagnetic sources.

2) The revolution in the field of solid state lighting leads to the replacement of florescent lamps by LEDs ( light emitting diodes) which further motivates the usage of Visible Light Communication .

👉 Visit : Electromagnetic spectrum

E)  Infra Red rays :

These are the rays which are emitted from hot sources. Therefore all hot bodies are the sources of infra red rays These rays were first discovered by Hershell .

Applications :

1) They help us to sustain life on earth, as they keep the planet warm. 

2) Infra Red rays are responsible for conversion of forest wood into coal. 

3) They are used in Solar water heaters and cookers. 

4) They are used for weather forecasting. 

5) Infra Red rays are used for taking photographs during the conditions of fog, smoke, etc. 

6) Infra Red rays absorption spectra is used in the study of molecular structure. 

7) To produce dehydrated fruits infra Red rays are used.

8) They can be used to provide electric energy to satellites by using Solar cells. 

9) They are used in the treatment of muscular strains. 

👉 visit : Evidences of earth's magnetism

F)  Microwaves and  Radio waves :

Microwaves can be  produced by oscillating electrons in a cavity. Their wavelength ranges from 1mm to 0.3m.

Radio waves can be produced by oscillating charge in a inductance capacitance circuit. Their wavelength ranges from 1m to few kms. 

Applications :

1) Microwaves are used in radar systems. 

2) Radiowaves are used in radio Actronomy.

3) Microwaves are used in long distance telephone communication systems. 

4) Microwaves are used in study of atomic and molecular structure. 

5) Radio waves are used to transmit radio and television signals. 

Applications of electromagnetic waves

Conclusion:

This article provides you information related to applications of electromagnetic waves . It also defines their origin. However, it also provides you information about the scientists involved in their Discovery.I hope now you have  the complete information related to applications electromagnetic waves.