Examples of Electromagnetism

• The study of the phenomena of electric charges , when they are at rest or pass through a conductor; also when they produce a magnetic field on their way or pass through one. These phenomena generate work that can be used in practice and in the design of machines and equipment.
• The study of the waves that make up the electromagnetic spectrum : radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, gamma rays. Its properties are described, such as its frequency and wavelength, and its behavior in its passage through the universe, from its source to its destination, is discussed.

Electromagnetism in electrical charges

Electromagnetism explains electrical and magnetic phenomena through a single theory, represented by Maxwell’s equations. When an electrical charge moves along a conductor, which can be a metal or an electrolyte solution, it goes from a point of high potential to another point of low potential. In the case of metallic conductors, the passage of electrons generates a magnetic field around the metal, which will influence its environment.

In electrical components such as solenoids or coils , there is copper wire wound creating a ring-shaped arrangement that, when it carries an electric current inside, begins to produce a magnetic field in its center that will affect the metal parts near it, and it will produce work that will make the machine it belongs to work. This application is typical of electric motors, which begin to rotate as soon as they have a magnetic field inside.

Electromagnetism in radiation

Electromagnetism also acts as a branch of physics that studies the types of radiation. These are different types of waves that are organized in the so-called electromagnetic spectrum . These are the ones mentioned below, accompanied by their properties and wavelengths:

• Radio waves ( λ = 1000 m) : these waves are transmitted from tall towers to horn receivers that are already in widespread use.
• Microwaves ( λ = 1 * 10 ^-2 m) : for being safe to use, they are applied in ovens to heat food.
• Infrared ( λ = 1 * 10 ^-6 m) : it is part of what we call “heat”, so it is perceived as that sensation.
• Visible light ( λ = 0.5 * 10 ^-6 m) : makes everything around us visible and includes all the colors that make up white light. They are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple.
• Ultraviolet rays ( λ = 1 * 10 ^-8 m) : they come from the stars such as the sun and other stars. Human skin is sensitive to these rays, which can cause burns on long exposure.
• X-rays ( λ = 1 * 10 ^-10 m) : they are able to pass through human tissues, so they are used to capture images of bones.
• Gamma rays ( λ = 1 * 10 ^-12 m) : emitted by some radioactive elements as they decay, and they also travel through the universe.

10 examples of electromagnetism:

1. The needle of a compass points north according to the Earth’s magnetic field. As opposite poles attract, it would be the magnetic south pole of the planet.
2. When a piece of glass or acrylic is rubbed with a cloth, it attracts small pieces of paper due to the electrostatic charge it acquires.
3. When a person touches a piece of metal and feels a small electric shock, it is because the person has acquired an electrostatic charge.
4. Passing an electric current through a piece of metal heats it up, producing heat due to the electrical resistance that the metal offers to the passage of electrons.
5. Electric shocks.
6. The northern and southern auroras.
7. The particle accelerators.
8. The Telegraph.
9. The kinescope of a television or computer screen.
10. High speed trains.