The spectrum by frequency
The properties of electromagnetic waves change enormously from one frequency range to another. Laid out in order of frequency, they form the electromagnetic spectrum.
| Kind of wave | Frequency range (Hz) |
|---|---|
| Gamma rays | > 3 × 1019 |
| X-rays | 3 × 1017 – 3 × 1019 |
| Ultraviolet | 7.69 × 1014 – 3 × 1017 |
| Visible light | 4.28 × 1014 – 7.69 × 1014 |
| Infrared | 3 × 1012 – 4.28 × 1014 |
| Microwaves | 3 × 109 – 3 × 1012 |
| Radio waves | < 3 × 109 |
The main kinds of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum, highest frequency first.
One family, one speed
Every row of this table is the same kind of wave, travelling at the same speed in a vacuum. Only the frequency — and with it the wavelength — changes from row to row.