Relative Size Of Electro-Magnetic Spectrum

In summary, the conversation discusses the relative size of different types of electromagnetic radiation, such as gamma rays, X-rays, ultra-violet rays, visible light, and radio waves, in comparison to various objects. The term "relative size" refers to the wavelength of the radiation being similar to the size of the objects it is compared to. It is not a precise measurement, but a rough comparison.
  • #1
Kehsibashok
15
0
I Watched A Video . In Which , It's Mentioned That The

Relative Size Of..

Gamma Rays - Atomic Nucleus
X-Rays - Atom
Ultra-Violet Rays - DNA
Visible Light - Bacteria
...
Radio Waves - Mountain Ranges

What's Mean By Relative Size ? I'm Confused Alot !

Thanks Alot In Advance For You Help
 
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  • #2
It simply means that e.g. the wavelength of gamma rays is similar to the typical radius of atomic nuclei.
 
  • #3
Thanks Alot

hilbert2 said:
It simply means that e.g. the wavelength of gamma rays is similar to the typical radius of atomic nuclei.

Thanks Alot For Your Help :)

I Have Another Doubt . Does It Mean The Radius or Diameter ? Because Wavelength Of Gamma Rays is 10(power -15) which is the diameter of nucleus .so you're referring to diameter ... (right?)
 
  • #4
When we make crude comparisons like this, we usually don't try to be more exact than the nearest power (exponent) of 10, in which case a factor of 2 or 1/2 is not significant.
 
  • #5
Gamma rays have a broad spectrum, with roughly 10-15m as maximal wavelength and without a minimal wavelength - and the first border is not very strict, different scientists use different values.

Nuclei have different radii, too - an uranium nucleus (92 protons and ~145 neutrons) is larger than a hydrogen nucleus (a single proton).
 

Related to Relative Size Of Electro-Magnetic Spectrum

What is the relative size of the electromagnetic spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. It includes all forms of electromagnetic radiation, from the longest radio waves to the shortest gamma rays. The size of the spectrum is infinite, as it encompasses all possible frequencies.

How is the electromagnetic spectrum organized?

The electromagnetic spectrum is organized by the wavelengths of the different types of radiation. The longer wavelengths, such as radio waves, are located on one end of the spectrum while the shorter wavelengths, such as gamma rays, are located on the other end. The order of the spectrum, from longest to shortest wavelength, is radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum?

The frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic radiation are inversely related. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases and vice versa. This relationship can be seen in the organization of the electromagnetic spectrum, where the longer wavelengths have lower frequencies and the shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies.

How do different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation interact with matter?

Different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation interact with matter in different ways. Longer wavelengths, such as radio waves, are able to pass through materials more easily, while shorter wavelengths, such as X-rays, are more easily absorbed and can cause damage to living tissues. This is why X-rays are used in medical imaging, as they can pass through soft tissues but are absorbed by denser materials like bones.

What are the practical applications of the electromagnetic spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum has many practical applications in our daily lives. Radio waves are used for communication, microwaves for cooking, infrared radiation for remote controls, visible light for vision, ultraviolet radiation for sterilization, X-rays for medical imaging, and gamma rays for cancer treatment. The ability to harness and manipulate different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation has greatly improved our technology and quality of life.

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