Each part of the spectrum has uses that depend on how its waves behave.
- Radio waves: broadcasting, communications and satellite transmissions.
- Microwaves: cooking, communications and satellite transmissions.
- Infrared: cooking, thermal imaging, short range communications, optical fibres, television remote controls and security systems.
- Visible light: vision, photography and illumination.
- Ultraviolet: security marking, fluorescent lamps, detecting forged bank notes and disinfecting water.
- X-rays: observing the internal structure of objects, airport security scanners and medical x-rays.
- Gamma rays: used to sterilise food and medical equipment, and in the detection of cancer and its treatment.