Higher frequency Smaller frequency

More energy Less energy

Smaller wave length Larger wavelength

Ionising radiation Non-ionising radiation

Gamma X-rays Ultra-violet Visible light Infra-red rays Microwave Radio wave
rays rays VIBGYOR
10-14 -10-10 10-13-10-8 10-8-10-7 10-7 10-7-10-3 10-3-10-1 10-1-105
-Treatment of -Medical/dental -Sunbeds -Optical fibres for -Remote control of -Satellite -Radio and
inspections medical uses and electrical communication for
cancer -Sterillisation telecommunications appliances satellite television
television
-Checking welds
and mobile phone communication
-Checking -Analysis of crystal -Forgery -Photosynthesis -Intruder alarm
networks
welds structure -Lasers for medical, -Infra-red -Radio
detection industrial and photography -Microwave cooking
-Airport security telescope
-Sterillising -Treatment of - surveying uses -Radiant heater -Radar
communication
equipment cancer Fluorescence
effect
Similar Properties of electromagnetic waves: Different properties of -Ionising radiations are extremely
1. They transfer energy from one place to another. electromagnetic waves: high frequency electromagnetic
1. Frequency waves which include X-rays and
2. They are transverse waves.
gamma rays . They have enough
3. They can travel through a vacuum. 2. Wavelength energy to produce ionisation.
4. They travel through vacuum with the speed of light. 3. Energy -Ionisation is the process whereby
5. They all show wave properties like reflection and one or more electrons are removed
refraction. Formulae: from a neutral atom by the action of
radiation.
6. They obey the wave equation v=f V=f , E=hf, T=1/f, v= /T
- Ionisation is harmful to living
All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that travel with the cells , it will result in the destruction
same speed in vacuum. This speed is the speed of light with the value 3 X or modification of living tissues.