Imagine that you — a small electron happily jumping from orbit to orbit in an atom. Every time you make such a quantum jump, you create a tiny wave in space. This wave is electromagnetic radiation! Of course, we cannot be electrons, but understanding this process from the first — the key to unraveling the mysteries of electromagnetic radiation. After all, it surrounds us everywhere, affects our health, can lead to disasters or simply change the mood of people around us. Everyone has heard about what electromagnetic radiation is, but few people know what it really is. Although, it’s like air, which cannot be underestimated and this concept also needs to be understood.
All electromagnetic waves affect you and me. But not everyone does it in a way that causes harm. Image: SuperMagnet
Contents
- 1 How electromagnetic waves appear
- 2 Where does electromagnetic radiation come from
- 3 Why electromagnetic radiation is important
- 4 How electromagnetic waves affect humans and animals
How electromagnetic waves appear
Electromagnetic radiation isborn when accelerated or slowing down charged particles. Most often these are electrons, but there can be other charged particles. When an electron changes its speed or direction of motion, it creates oscillations in the electric and magnetic fields. These vibrations travel through space at the speed of light, forming an electromagnetic wave.
Imagine throwing a stone into a pond. Waves on the water spread out in circles from the place where the stone fell. In a similar wayelectromagnetic waves diverge in spacefrom a vibrating electron. Only instead of water, electric and magnetic fields oscillate, and instead of stone — charged particle.
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Types of electromagnetic radiation
Electromagnetic radiation comes in different types, depending on the wavelength and vibration frequency. The entire spectrum of electromagnetic radiation includes:
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared radiation
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet radiation
- X-rays
- Gamma radiation
Each type of radiation has its own characteristics and areas of application. For example, radio waves are used to transmit information, microwaves — for heating food and transmitting data, and visible light allows us to see the world around us.
The visible part of electromagnetic radiation is in a very narrow spectrum. Image: GSM-Repeaters.RU
Where does electromagnetic radiation come from
There are many sources of electromagnetic radiation in nature:
- The Sun— the main source of light and heat for our planet.
- Lightning — create powerful electromagnetic pulses.
- Stars— emit light and other types of electromagnetic waves.
- Black holes — despite their name, they can be sources of powerful radiation.
- Earth— emits infrared waves.
But that's not all. In addition to natural sources of EMR, there are also man-made ones. They are created by man or the benefits of civilization surrounding him, sometimes being the main task, and sometimes a side effect. The following are various sources of electromagnetic radiation generated by humans:
- Radio and television transmitters
- Mobile phones
- Wi-Fi routers
- Microwave ovens
- X-ray machines
- Lasers
Why electromagnetic radiation is important
Now we need to figure out why electromagnetic radiation is important for us. Let's start with communications. Radio waves and microwaves allow us to communicateover long distances, transmit data and use mobile communications. In medicine, X-rays help diagnose diseases, and various types of electromagnetic radiation are used in therapy.
Medical research complexes also use many variants of EMR. Image: RIA Novosti
Radio waves are also used in navigation. GPS, GLONASS and othernavigation systems operate using electromagnetic waves. At the same time, they also exist in other parts of space. Thus, the study of electromagnetic radiation from distant stars and galaxies allows us to learn about the structure and history of the Universe.
How do electromagnetic waves from lightning affect living cells?
In everyday life, EMR allows you to obtain energy. Solar panels convert electromagnetic radiation from the sun into electricity. Nuclear reactors produce large amounts of electricity. And microwave ovens, induction cookers, remote controls make our lives more convenient and of higher quality.
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How electromagnetic waves affect humans and animals
Electromagnetic radiation plays an important role in life on Earth. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis in plantsand the production of vitamin D in animals and humans. However, strong radiation can be dangerous. For example, ultraviolet radiation in large doses causes burns and can lead to skin cancer.
Some animals are able to perceive electromagnetic waves that are inaccessible to the human eye. Bees see in the ultraviolet range, and some birds navigate by the Earth's magnetic field during migration.
We don’t see it, but birds navigate by the magnetic field. when they fly south. Image: Russian Traveler
We can say that electromagnetic radiation — an amazing phenomenon that permeates our entire world. From cosmic rays to radio waves, from X-rays to light from your smartphone screen — Everywhere we encounter this phenomenon.
Why is it dark in space?
Understanding the nature of electromagnetic radiation has opened up enormous opportunities for humanity. We have learned to use it for communication, treating diseases, exploring space and creating new technologies. At the same time, we must be aware of the potential risks and use radiation sources wisely.
Who knows what other secrets and possibilities electromagnetic radiation hides? You may be the one to make the next great discovery in this field!
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Electromagnetic radiation continues to amaze and inspire scientists around the world. Who knows what other discoveries await us in the future thanks to this amazing phenomenon?