Gamma rays

Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves. They have the smallest wavelength in the spectrum. Gamma rays were discovered in 1900 by Paul Villard. They were named three years later by Ernest Rutherford.

Uses

Gamma rays can be used in medical treatments to kill cells (eg cancerous) that are underneath the skin

x-rays

X-Rays

X-Rays are waves of X-Radiation, which has a longer wavelength than Gamma rays. 

Uses

X-rays can go through solid objects. This is used in the medical field, for taking images of bones and other dense matter through the skin.

Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet

With a wavelength just shorter than visible light, under certain conditions, children and young adults can see ultraviolet down to wavelengths of 310 nm. Ultraviolet was discovered in 1801 by physicist Johann Wilhelm Ritter

Uses

One form of ultraviolet light is used in black lights, which are commonly used in bug zappers. They can be used to illuminate fluorescing substances.

Visible

Visible Light

While only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, every single color that we can see lies in these wavelengths.

Uses

Everything we can see is visible light (yes, really). The uses range from seeing to stopping at traffic lights, and is an integral part of everyday life

Infra-Red

Infra-Red

Infra-red is an invisible light that is beyond what the human eye can see. It extends from the color red in the spectrum. Infrared radiation was discovered in 1800 by astronomer William Herschel

Uses

Infra-red is primarily used in night vision goggles and Remotes. It is also used to measure the heat of objects (infra-red cameras)

Microwaves

Microwaves

Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation. They have very large wavelengths, ranging up to 1 meter. They were predicted by James Clerk Maxwell in 1864.

Uses

Microwaves are most commonly used in Microwave ovens and for long-distance communication. They are also used in radars and navigation.

Radio Waves

Radio Waves

Radio waves have a very long wavelength, ranging from a millimeter to 100 kilometers.

Uses

Radio waves are used primarily in communication, with uses such as transferring information across space and radio stations.

LongWaves

Longwaves

Longwaves are a part of the radio spectrum which have relatively long wavelengths.

Uses

Longwaves are primarily used in long-distance broadcasting. They are not commonly used anymore.