1. Ultraviolet
2. Infra-red
3. Microwaves
4. Radio waves
5. X-rays

Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiations that has shorter wavelengths than visible lights is all around us even though our eyes can’t detect it.  This means that UV light has a higher frequency than visible light. It is categorized as electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 10 and 400 nanometer (nm). Electromagnetic radiation consists of waves of electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space.

UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic waves including UV waves, are known as self-propagating waves meaning they can travel through space. They consist of magnetic and electric fields that oscillate perpendicular to each other, and perpendicular to the direction of propagation. They move through space at a velocity known as the speed of light. It is equal to 3*10⁸m/s. All form of electromagnetic radiation move at this speed in a vacuum.

Application of Ultraviolet radiation

• UV is widely used in industrial processes and in medical and dental practices for a variety of purposes, such as killing bacteria, creating florescent effects, curing inks and resins, phototherapy and sun tanning.
• UV lights are used to create safe water in pools and spas and eliminate the need for chlorine’s harmful and irritating effects.
• They are used in aquaculture, life sciences, and water treatment processes.

Infra-red

Infrared(IR) radiation also known as infra-red light or infrared waves is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is between the visible light and microwave range. The wavelength of infra-red radiation is above red visible light and ranges from 780nm to 1mm, which corresponds to a frequency range of 300G Hz to 400 THz. It is usually divided into three different regions: Near infrared is the region that is nearest to the visible spectrum and ranges in wavelength from 780 to 2500 nm.

Application of Infra-red radiation

• Heat Source: Medical sector and manufacturing industries use this radiation as a heat source. The infrared saunas can treat rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, and other chronic health problems. It is also a safe method for physical therapy. The manufacturing unit uses infrared heaters in curing of coating, the formation of plastics, and plastics welding.
• Astronomy: Astronomers use optical devices like digital detectors, mirrors, and lenses to analyze space objects via infrared waves. We can obtain the images of these devices from the infrared telescope.
• Cosmetology: We use this radiation for treating dandruff, skin injuries, blackhead, and smoothing wrinkles. They also improve oxygen supply, blood circulation, and the supply of nutrients to the skin.

Microwaves

Microwave is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than other radio waves but longer than infrared waves. Its wavelength ranges from about one meter to one millimeter, corresponding to frequencies between 300MHz and 300GHz, broadly constructed.

Microwaves were first discovered by James Clerk Maxwell in 19^th century. They were later experimentally verified by Heinrich Hertz in the late 1880s. Microwaves have lower energy compared o visible light and X-rays. They can travel through the atmosphere, making them useful for various types of wireless communications.

Application of Microwave radiation:

• Food Preparation: Microwave can be used for quickly reheat food or do it from the beginning thanks to a short period that is required as compared to baking or cooking foods in an oven. Microwave ovens’ more accurate cooking time and power level add extra value in hectic daily schedules and busy environment.
• Communication System: The microwave material is the vehicle that allows (data transmission) over large distances in the modern communication systems. Microwaves transportation transmission towers and satellites allow for broadcasting TV, radio, cell and internet networks. The capability for big data carries in higher speed is proven to be a vital thing for the world to improve globally the communication process.
• Medical Diagnostic and Treatment: Microwaves, as a diagnostic imaging tool, is utilized across the medical field. The most common ones being magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan. Along with that, microwave ablation has been employed to manage the medical conditions inclusive of cancer. The ability to pinpoint only those tissue that carry the disease while minimizing the adverse impact on the neighboring healthy tissues, offered by the microwave-based therapies, suggests that patient have a significantly less invasive but more effective alternative to existing treatment methods.

Radio-waves:

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation. A radio wave has a much longer wavelength than visible light. Humans use radio waves extensively for communications. The wavelength of radio wave range from a few millimeters (tenths of inches) to hundreds of kilometers (hundreds of miles). These waves can easily bend along the Earth’s curvature and are best suited for long-range communication. They do not get diffracted while travelling along the earth’s atmosphere.

Application of Radio Waves Radiation:

• Navigation and Air traffic control use radio technology.
• Radio communication is the most common use of radio waves they are used for communicating to a wide range of audiences at once.
• RADAR uses radio technology.
• Satellite communication has wide use of radio technology.
• They can easily travel underwater and can easily penetrate the rocks and widely used in underwater purposes, submarines and mining and geothermal activities.

X-rays:

X-rays are form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to visible light. X-rays are higher energy and can pass through most objects, including the body. Medical X-rays are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. If X-rays travelling through the body also pass through an X-ray detector on the other side of the patient, and image will be formed that represent the “shadows” formed by the objects inside the body.

Application of X-rays:

• X-ray Radiography:Detect bone fractures, certain tumors and other abnormal masses, pneumonia, some type of injuries, classifications, foreign objects or dental problem.
• Mammography: A radiograph of the breast that is used for cancer detection diagnosis. Tumor tends to appear as regular or irregular- shaped masses that are somewhat brighter than the background of the radiograph.
• Computed Tomography (CT): Combines traditional x-ray technology with computer processing to generate a series of cross-sectional images of the body that can later be combining to form a three-dimensional x-ray image. CT images are more detailed than plain radiographs and give doctors the ability to view structures within the body from many different angles.
• Fluoroscopy: Uses x-rays and fluorescent screen to obtain real time image of movement within the body or to view diagnostic processes, such as following the path of an injected or swallowed contrast agent. For example:, fluoroscopy is used to view the movement of the beating heart.