| Term: | electromagnetic spectrum |
| Definition: |
The distribution of electromagnetic waves or radiation arranged according to wavelength and frequency. Electromagnetic wave energy is the product of frequency and wavelength, and thus is a related means of categorizing the spectrum. Although the Sun's peak radiative output is in visible light band in the midst of the spectrum, the Sun emits energy ranging from short wavelength (high energy) gamma rays to long wavelength (low energy) radio waves. |