Would the Night Sky Be Dark If We Could See 2 mm Wavelengths?

Thread starter UMich1344
Start date Oct 22, 2007
Tags

Electromagnetic Electromagnetic radiation Radiation

In summary, electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy consisting of waves of electric and magnetic fields that travel through space at the speed of light. There are seven main types, each with different wavelengths and frequencies, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. It is produced when charged particles accelerate, either naturally or artificially. The effects on humans vary depending on the wavelength and intensity, with some forms being harmless and others potentially harmful. In everyday life, electromagnetic radiation is used in communication technologies, remote controls, thermal imaging, vision, photography, medical imaging, and sterilization processes.

Oct 22, 2007

UMich1344

Would the night sky appear dark if our eyes were sensitive to electromagnetic radiation with wavelength around 2 mm? Why or why not?

Physics news on Phys.org

Oct 22, 2007

Dick

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

Google 'cosmic microwave background'.

1. What is electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that is emitted and absorbed by charged particles. It consists of waves of electric and magnetic fields that travel through space at the speed of light.

2. What are the different types of electromagnetic radiation?

There are seven main types of electromagnetic radiation, ordered by their wavelengths: radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each type has a different wavelength and frequency, and therefore different properties and uses.

3. How is electromagnetic radiation produced?

Electromagnetic radiation is produced when charged particles, such as electrons, accelerate. This can happen naturally, such as in the case of lightning or the sun's rays, or artificially in devices like radios, microwaves, and X-ray machines.

4. Is electromagnetic radiation harmful?

The effects of electromagnetic radiation depend on its wavelength and intensity. Some forms, like visible light and radio waves, are harmless to humans. However, longer wavelengths, such as ultraviolet, can cause sunburn and skin damage, and shorter wavelengths, like X-rays and gamma rays, can be harmful to living cells.

5. How is electromagnetic radiation used in everyday life?

Electromagnetic radiation has many practical applications in our daily lives. Radio waves are used in communication technologies like radios, TVs, and cell phones. Infrared radiation is used in remote controls and thermal imaging. Visible light is essential for vision and is also used in photography and fiber optics. Ultraviolet radiation is used in sterilization processes, and X-rays are used in medical imaging. Gamma rays are used in cancer treatment and sterilization processes.