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Electromagnetic Spectrum (Simplified) definitions

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  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
    A continuous range of electromagnetic radiation types, ordered by wavelength and frequency, from long radio waves to gamma rays.
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
    A form of energy traveling at light speed through space as oscillating electric and magnetic fields.
  • Wavelength
    The distance between consecutive wave crests, decreasing across the spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays.
  • Frequency
    The number of wave cycles passing a point per second, increasing as wavelength decreases in the spectrum.
  • Photon
    A discrete packet of light energy, theorized by Planck and Einstein, that makes up electromagnetic radiation.
  • Quantum
    A group or collection of light energy packets, each called a photon.
  • Visible Light
    The small portion of the spectrum detectable by the human eye, spanning red to violet colors.
  • Infrared
    A region of the spectrum just beyond red light, associated with heat and not visible to the human eye.
  • Ultraviolet
    A region of the spectrum just beyond violet light, with higher energy than visible light and invisible to the eye.
  • Gamma Rays
    The highest energy and frequency region of the spectrum, with the shortest wavelengths.
  • Radio Waves
    A low-frequency, long-wavelength region of the spectrum, including AM and FM bands.
  • Microwaves
    A region of the spectrum between radio waves and infrared, used in communication and heating.
  • X-rays
    A high-energy region of the spectrum, just below gamma rays, commonly used in medical imaging.
  • Hertz
    The unit of frequency, representing one wave cycle per second, symbolized by Hz.
  • Lambda
    The Greek letter used as the symbol for wavelength, typically measured in meters.