Electromagnetic energy is a type of energy that plays a big role in our everyday lives. It affects many things like technology, communication, and health. This energy comes in different forms called electromagnetic waves, which range from radio waves to gamma rays. Let’s look at some of its important uses:

1. Communication:

   • Electromagnetic waves are key to wireless communication.
   • For example, mobile phones use radio waves to send and receive voice and data. They usually work at frequencies between 800 MHz and 2.5 GHz.
   • The internet we rely on uses microwave signals and infrared waves sent through satellites and fiber optic cables. As of 2021, there were about 4.9 billion internet users around the world!

2. Lighting:

   • Electromagnetic energy is also very important for lighting.
   • Regular light bulbs, known as incandescent bulbs, turn about 10% of electrical energy into light. LED bulbs are much better, changing around 80% of electrical energy into light and using less power overall.
   • In the UK, each household uses about 400 kWh a year just for lighting.

3. Medical Uses:

   • In the medical field, electromagnetic energy helps with imaging.
   • X-rays are a type of high-frequency wave used to see inside our bodies and find broken bones or other health issues.
   • MRI machines use radio waves and magnets, and about 30 million MRI scans are done in the UK each year.

4. Heating:

   • Microwaves, which are another kind of electromagnetic energy, are used in kitchen microwaves to cook and reheat food.
   • They work at frequency of about 2.45 GHz, heating food by targeting water molecules.

In short, electromagnetic energy is everywhere in technology and communication. It also has important effects on health and our daily lives, showing just how much we rely on it every day.