Examples of electromagnetic waves that travel in a vacuum at the speed of light (c) or near-c speeds include:
Radio Waves: Radio waves have long wavelengths and low frequencies. They are commonly used for broadcasting, communication, and radar systems.
Microwaves: Microwaves have shorter wavelengths than radio waves. They are used for various applications such as cooking, telecommunications, and radar systems.
Infrared (IR) Waves: Infrared waves have longer wavelengths than visible light and are often associated with heat. They are used in applications like thermal imaging, remote controls, and communication.
Visible Light: Visible light is the range of electromagnetic waves that can be detected by the human eye. It consists of different colors, each corresponding to a different wavelength. Visible light is essential for vision and is used in numerous applications, including lighting, photography, and displays.
Ultraviolet (UV) Waves: Ultraviolet waves have shorter wavelengths than visible light. They are often associated with causing sunburn and can be used in applications like sterilization, fluorescence analysis, and UV photography.
X-rays: X-rays have even shorter wavelengths and higher energy than UV waves. They are commonly used in medical imaging, airport security scanners, and industrial testing.
Gamma Rays: Gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths and highest energy among electromagnetic waves. They are produced in nuclear reactions and radioactive decay processes. Gamma rays are used in medical imaging and cancer treatment (radiotherapy).
It's important to note that all of these electromagnetic waves travel through a vacuum, such as space, at the speed of light (c) or very close to it. The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second or about 186,282 miles per second.