What Is the Energy Difference Between a Radio Wave & a Gamma Ray?
- The electromagnetic spectrum is defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary Online as the range of wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma rays and radio waves are both forms of electromagnetic radiation. Radio waves are harmless, however, while gamma rays can kill living tissue.
- Radio waves are low-frequency waves of electromagnetic radiation. Picture waves in an ocean; there are crests and then troughs between them. Radiation waves act much the same way, but they move through space, air and even our bodies. The crests between radio waves are far apart when compared to many other types of electromagnetic radiation such as gamma rays. Radio waves are not only used so we can hear our favorite music stations; stars emit radio waves, too. Scientists use these waves to detect what the star is made of.
- Gamma rays are high-frequency waves of electromagnetic radiation. Radioactive substances emit gamma rays; nuclear power plants and large particle accelerators can generate them. Stars and other space objects such as black holes also emit gamma rays. Unlike radio waves, gamma rays are too high-frequency to be detected with human ears.