<P> The electromagnetic spectrum covers electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from below one hertz to above 10 hertz , corresponding to wavelengths from thousands of kilometers down to a fraction of the size of an atomic nucleus . This frequency range is divided into separate bands , and the electromagnetic waves within each frequency band are called by different names ; beginning at the low frequency ( long wavelength ) end of the spectrum these are : radio waves , microwaves , terahertz waves , infrared , visible light , ultraviolet , X-rays , and gamma rays at the high - frequency ( short wavelength ) end . The electromagnetic waves in each of these bands have different characteristics , such as how they are produced , how they interact with matter , and their practical applications . The limit for long wavelengths is the size of the universe itself , while it is thought that the short wavelength limit is in the vicinity of the Planck length . Gamma rays , X-rays , and high ultraviolet are classified as ionizing radiation as their photons have enough energy to ionize atoms , causing chemical reactions . Exposure to these rays can be a health hazard , causing radiation sickness , DNA damage and cancer . Radiation of visible light wavelengths and lower are called nonionizing radiation as they can not cause these effects . </P>
what is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave
ranging from below one hertz to above 10 hertz