Each part of the electromagnetic spectrum has uses that depend on its properties. Radio waves carry radio and television broadcasts. Microwaves are used for satellite communications and mobile phones, and also for cooking, because water in food absorbs them and heats up. Infrared is given out by hot objects. It is used in television remote controls, in electric heaters and grills, and in thermal imaging cameras that detect heat.
Visible light lets us see, and it is used in photography. It is also sent along optical fibres to carry communications signals. Ultraviolet is used in fluorescent lamps, where it makes a coating inside the tube glow with visible light, and in sunbeds to tan the skin. It is also used to sterilise water.
X-rays pass through soft tissue but bone absorbs X-rays, so they are used to make medical images of bones and in airport security scanners. Gamma rays kill bacteria on medical instruments and food, so they are used for sterilising. They also kill cancer cells in radiotherapy.