Electromagnetic radiation is defined as a form of energy that is made of oscillating fields that include forms like x-rays, infrared waves, and radio waves. Light is another outlet of electromagnetic radiation, and the speed of light, which is generally denoted by the letter c, is an important constant: 3 x 10^8 meters/second. Electromagnetic radiation, typically shortened to EMR, is displayed through these forms, which are known as electromagnetic waves. As said, EMR is made up of oscillating fields, so its pretty much a cycle, going in one direction, then the opposite, and repeating that, changing in direction and magnitude. To measure the number of cycles per second, there is a term known as frequency, which can be denoted by f or the Greek letter nu (v). The common unit for frequency is known as the hertz, which is one cycle per second. In terms of the wave, there is a maximum peak, and the horizontal distance between two adjacent peaks is known as the wavelength. The amplitude, on the other hand, is one-half the distance from the maximum to the minimum, so a vertical distance. Wavelength is typically represented by the Greek letter lambda (λ), while amplitude
A form of distance in the study of EMR that is important to recognize is the nanometer (nm). It is 1 x 10^-9 meter. From about 400 nm to 700 nm as wavelength values, humans will be able to see the radiation in between those points, hence the name visible light. Now, wavelength itself constitutes a mathematical equation: wavelength x frequency = speed of light. c, or the speed of light, is a constant; it will always be the same value. Because of that, a high frequency will have a low wavelength; a low frequency will have a large wavelength, and vice versa both ways.
In terms of applications, there is an electromagnetic spectrum. So far, a limit hasn't been established, but when the highest frequency comes to mind, gamma radiation comes into play, while the lowest is usually associated with radio waves. The spectrum has specific colors from around 400 nm to 700 nm, with infrared radiation being slightly less than 800 and ultraviolet being slightly less than 400 nm. Depending on their traits, they can have damaging or varying effects on Earth, its environment, and its inhabitants.
Have fun with chemistry!
