Electromagnetic Waves

Spectrum

A band of colors, as seen in a rainbow, produced by separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction according to wavelength.

Carrier Wave

A high-frequency electromagnetic wave modulated in amplitude or frequency to convey a signal.

Global Positioning System

A system of satellites, computers, and receivers that is able to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver.

Satellite

An artificial body placed in orbit around the earth or moon or another planet in order to collect information or for communication.

Radio Wave

An electromagnetic wave of a frequency between about 104 and 1011 or 1012 Hz, as used for long-distance communication.

X ray

An electromagnetic wave of high energy and very short wavelength, which is able to pass through many materials opaque to light.

Gamma Ray

Denoted by the lower-case Greek letter gamma, are penetrating electromagnetic radiation of a kind arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. It consists of photons in the highest observed range of photon energy.

Wave

In physics, a wave is an oscillation accompanied by a transfer of energy. Frequency refers to the addition of time.

Electromagnetic Wave

In physics, electromagnetic radiation refers to the waves of the electromagnetic field, propagating through space-time, carrying electromagnetic radiant energy.

Infrared Wave

Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation, as are radio waves, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and microwaves. Infrared (IR) light is the part of the EM spectrum that people encounter most in everyday life, although much of it goes unnoticed. It is invisible to human eyes, but people can feel it as heat.

Radiant Energy

Is energy that travels by waves or particles, particularly electromagnetic radiation such as heat or x-rays.

Visible Light

Is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation in this range of wavelengths is called visible light or simply light.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Is the range of frequencies (the spectrum) of electromagnetic radiation and their respective wavelengths and photon energies.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Radiation in the part of the electromagnetic spectrum where wavelengths are just shorter than those of ordinary, visible violet light but longer than those of x-rays.