The electromagnetic spectrum describes the entire range of frequencies (or wavelengths) possible for electromagnetic radiation to have. In principle, the spectrum is practically infinite, though there are limitations on how high or low of frequencies we can practically achieve and work with. On the high end of the frequency spectrum are usually gamma rays, with frequencies of around 1020 Hz, while on the low end are “extremely low frequencies” of only a few Hz.
| Type |
Frequency (Hz) |
Wavelength (cm) |
| Radio |
< 3="" ×="">11 |
> 10 |
| Microwave |
3 × 1011 – 1013 |
10 – 0.01 |
| Infrared |
1013 – 4 × 1014 |
0.01 – 7 × 10−5 |
| Visible |
4 – 7.5 × 1014 |
7 × 10−5 – 4 × 10−5 |
| Ultraviolet |
1015 – 1017 |
4 × 10−5 – 10−7 |
| X-rays |
1017 – 1020 |
10−7 –10−9 |
| Gamma Rays |
1020 – 1024 |
<>−9 |
