Types of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMFs) & How They are Created

Electronics all fundamentally work the same way. They use an electric current passing through a circuit to perform a function.

Electricity is an energy which must be harnessed to make it do what we want it to do. The electronic circuit is the basic unit through which electricity is transmitted. Scientists and engineers developed various ways to harness the power of electricity for humanity.

Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) EMFs

Electronic devices offer computing functions, phone calls, Internet connections, light up panels, and so many more capabilities.

As a by-product of these functions operating, an electric current is generated that flows within and between components creating EMFs. This type of radiation is also known as Extremely Low Frequency (ELF).

Radio Frequency (RF) EMFs

Many electronic devices also communicate outside the device, transmitting communication signals from your device to other devices so you can talk on the phone or connect to the Internet via WiFi. These signals are called Radio Frequency (RF) signals or Microwave (MW) signals.

RF signals can be transmitted at many different frequencies and power levels. A cell phone signal, for example, can travel several miles, while a WiFi signal transmits less than 100 feet.

These varying distance capabilities require the electronics to generate differing power levels in order to accommodate the distances.

What Does an Electromagnetic Field Look Like?

As a result of electrons moving, electricity is generated in one direction and magnetism in another. This results in energy moving in two directions.

The energy of the electricity moves on an x-axis, and perpendicularly at a 90 degree angle, a magnetic field is generated alongside it.

Learn more about Electromagnetic Radiation (EMFs) in our Learn Section.