Electromagnetic radiation

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Electromagnetic radiation refers to the waves or quanta of the electromagnetic field as they propagate through space. The speed of electromagnetic waves is invariant in a vacuum, being ~ 3x10m/s and represented by the symbol, c, otherwise known as the speed of light. The types of electromagnetic radiation vary from one another in their wavelength and hence energy.

Types

radio waves
microwaves
infrared
visible light
ultraviolet
x-rays and gamma rays: differentiated by process of creation, not their energy

A subset of the more energetic rays, primarily x-rays and γ-rays have the potential to ionize atoms, forming part of ionizing radiation.