The Electromagnetic Spectrum Light is energy carried in an electromagnetic wave emitted by vibrating electrons in atoms.

This energy travels in a wave that is partly electric and partly magnetic. Such a wave is an electromagnetic wave. Light is a small portion of the broad family of electromagnetic waves that includes such familiar forms as radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays. The range of electromagnetic waves, or the electromagnetic spectrum, as it is called, is shown below.

The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuous range of waves extending from radio waves to gamma rays. The descriptive names of the sections are merely a historical classification, for all waves are the same in nature. They differ mainly in frequency and wavelength. All travel at the same speed: wave speed = wavelength x frequency or c = !f (c = 3 x 108 m/s)

Surprisingly, visible light makes up less than a millionth of 1 percent of the electromagnetic spectrum. The lowest frequency of light that our eyes can see appears red. The highest visible frequencies are nearly twice the frequency of red and appear violet. Electromagnetic waves of frequencies lower than the red of visible light are called infrared. Heat lamps give off infrared waves. Electromagnetic waves of frequencies higher than those of violet are called ultraviolet. These higher-frequency waves are responsible for sunburn.