Electromagnetic fields surround charged objects and interact with charged particles. They vary in strength and are determined by wavelengths and frequency. They can be generated by voltage and changes in electric or magnetic fields. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from radio waves to gamma rays, with visible light being of particular interest. Some EMFs have been linked to health problems, but they can also be beneficial in medicine.
An electromagnetic field is a field that has magnetic and electrical properties and surrounds objects with an electric charge. The field also interacts with charged objects within the field. Electromagnetic fields are present at a basic level throughout the universe, with varying degrees of strength. The Earth, for example, is surrounded by an electromagnetic field generated by the movement of electrons within the Earth, and this field is exploited every day when people use compasses to orient themselves. The behavior of these fields is determined by the wavelengths of the energy generated and by the frequency of their oscillations. Long wavelengths oscillate at a low frequency, while short wavelengths oscillate at a high frequency.
Whenever voltage is present, an electric field is formed. In a simple example, when a light is plugged into an outlet but not turned on, a small electric field is generated. When the light is turned on, causing a current to flow, the movement of electrons creates a magnetic field. The electric field is still present, so an electromagnetic field is being generated. Changes in an electric field can generate magnetic activity, while changes in a magnetic field can generate electrical activity.
A classic example of an electromagnetic field is the field generated around high-energy power lines. Many people have noticed that they can feel a buzz of energy around power lines and studies have shown that the electromagnetic field surrounding high energy power lines can actually impact plant growth within the field, illustrating how which an electromagnetic field can act on charged particles within the field.
The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from radio waves, which have long wavelengths and a low frequency, to gamma rays, which have short wavelengths and a high frequency. Electromagnetic radiation at the higher end of the electromagnetic spectrum is known as ionizing radiation because it can strip electrons from the molecules and atoms they pass through. One area of the electromagnetic spectrum is of particular interest: the range of visible light. When someone sees the orange of a carrot, for example, it’s because the eye is sensitive to the wavelengths reflected by the carrot.
Certain types of EMFs have been linked to health problems. Several cancer studies have shown that some childhood cancers have been linked to exposure to high-energy electromagnetic fields. Even if an electromagnetic field causes health problems, however, it can also be beneficial. For example, in the medical community, people use X-rays, a form of electromagnetic radiation, to see inside the body and lasers, another form of electromagnetic radiation, to perform surgery.
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