10 FACTS ON...
by Philip McIntosh
1. The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum concerns
everyone, not just plants. It consists of all
the different wavelengths of electromagnetic
radiation (EMR). We are most familiar with
the visible band of the spectrum, which runs
from red on the low-energy side to violet on
the high-energy side.
2. EMR is a form of energy, but what exactly
does that mean?
3. On the higher-energy side of the visible spectrum
lie ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.
4. Notice how humans are fine with some infrared
and lots of radio wave exposure, but not OK
with exposure to ultraviolet, X-ray or gamma
radiation? This has to do with energy levels.
5. High-energy EMR interacts destructively with
the electronic and molecular structure of the
stuff from which we are made. In general, it is
something to avoid.
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Maximum Yield USA | November 2015
6. EMR is everywhere in the universe.
From gamma rays to ultra-low frequency
radiation, EMR permeates our world.
7. Other familiar bands on the EM spectrum that
lie below the visible range, in order of decreasing
energy, include infrared, microwave and radio.
8. If something has energy, it can do work.
Work can take place when something is
moved against gravity or moves against
an opposing force of some kind.
9. For example, work is done when light strikes a
substance, causing an electron to be raised to a
higher energy level, or maybe even completely
ejected out of the substance.
10. How much energy is in a particular frequency
of light? It’s pretty easy to calculate. Simply
multiply the frequency (√) times Planck’s
Constant (h = 6.62606 × 10−34 J•s) to give
the energy in joules, and there you have it!