Electromagnetic Waves
Hertz Experiment
k = 1/(4peo) = 9.0 X 109 Nm2/c2
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Type of Radiation Frequency Range Origin of Radiation
Low frequency AC 60 Hz radiation emitted from conductors of
AC power
Radio, Radar, TV 104 - 1012 Hz Oscillations in electric circuits
containing inductive and capacitive
components
Microwaves 109 - 1012 Hz Oscillating currents in special tubes
and solid state devices
Infrared 1011 - 4 X 1014 Hz Transitions of outer electrons in atoms
and molecules
Visible light 4 X 1014 - 8 X 1014 Hz higher energy transitions of outer
electrons in atoms
Ultraviolet 8 X 1014 - 1017 Hz even higher energy transitions of
outer electrons in atoms
X-rays 1015 - 1020 Hz Transitions of inner electrons of
atoms or the rapid deceleration of
high energy free electrons
gamma rays 1019 - 1024 Hz Nuclei of atoms, both spontaneously
and from sudden deceleration of
very high energy particles from
accelerators
cosmic rays > 1024 Hz Bombardment of Earth's
atmosphere by very high energy
particles from outer space
January 18, 2014