I just noticed that we tend to call EM wavelengths shorter than

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    Em Wavelengths
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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the terminology used for electromagnetic (EM) wavelengths, specifically distinguishing between "rays" and "waves." EM wavelengths shorter than visible light are referred to as "rays," emphasizing the concept of light traveling in straight lines, which is foundational in geometrical optics. In contrast, longer wavelengths, such as radio waves, are described as "waves" due to their spreading nature and the use of transhorizon reception techniques. This distinction is rooted in the physical behavior of different EM radiation types.

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I just noticed that we tend to call EM wavelengths shorter than visible light "rays" while we call we call those that are longer "waves". Why is that? Did we ever think that "rays" and "waves" were physically different?
 
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Hello jacket 250 and welcome to Physics Forums.

Actually there is a difference, not between the infra and ultra EM, but between the terminology.

Perhaps you have heard the term 'line of sight'?
Well rays refer to this aspect of EM radiation. The idea that light travels in straight lines and that you can draw a straight line path between the source and observer. The whole of geometrical optics in fact.

Radio, on the other hand, 'spreads out' and transhorizon reception has long been used.
Only when we started using microwave frequencies, closer to those of light, did we start using line of sight radio.

go well
 

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