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Electromagnetic Radiation

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Electromagnetic Radiation is the energy waves produced by the oscillation or acceleration of an electric charge. Electromagnetic waves have both electric and magnetic components. Electromagnetic radiation can be arranged in a spectrum that extends from waves of extremely high frequency and short wavelength to extremely low frequency and long wavelength (see Wave Motion ). Visible light is only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. In order of decreasing frequency, the electromagnetic spectrum consists of gamma rays, hard and soft X rays , ultraviolet radiation , visible light, infrared radiation , microwaves , and radio waves. PROPERTIES There are three phenomena through which energy can be transmitted: electromagnetic radiation, conduction, and convection (see Heat Transfer ). Unlike conduction and convection, electromagnetic waves need no material medium for transmission. Thus, light and radio waves can travel through interplanetary and interstellar space from the sun and st