The terminology used to describe different types of electromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves and cosmic rays, can sometimes be a bit counterintuitive. The reason for these naming conventions is primarily historical and based on the understanding and discoveries made at the time when these phenomena were first observed and studied.
The term "radio waves" originated from the development and early use of radio technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When wireless communication was being pioneered, it was discovered that certain types of electromagnetic waves could be used to transmit signals over long distances. These waves were associated with the transmission of sound or "audio" signals, hence the name "radio waves."
Similarly, the term "cosmic rays" was coined in the early 20th century when scientists observed high-energy particles coming from outer space. At that time, it was believed that these particles were similar to X-rays, which were already known and named. So, the term "cosmic rays" was used to describe this mysterious radiation from space.
Although the terms "radio waves" and "cosmic rays" may not perfectly align with our modern understanding of waves and rays, they have become ingrained in scientific literature and common usage. Over time, the scientific community has maintained these names for consistency and to avoid confusion when referring to specific types of electromagnetic radiation.
It's important to note that electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves and cosmic rays, exhibits wave-like properties. The distinction between waves and rays lies in how we perceive and describe their behavior. Waves typically refer to a propagating disturbance that carries energy, while rays often denote a more directional or focused transmission of energy. However, these terms can sometimes be used interchangeably depending on the context and the specific properties of the radiation being discussed.