Final Answer:
Radiation occurs when electromagnetic energy is transferred by electromagnetic waves.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radiation is a process in which energy is transmitted through space by electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel at the speed of light. These waves can propagate through a vacuum, as well as through various media. The energy carried by electromagnetic waves is transferred from a source to a receiver without the need for a material medium to transport it. This is in contrast to conduction and convection, which require a material substance for the transfer of heat or energy. The most common forms of electromagnetic radiation include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.
The transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves can be mathematically described by the equation E = hν, where E is the energy of the radiation, h is Planck's constant, and ν is the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. This equation is a fundamental relationship in quantum mechanics and helps quantify the energy carried by different types of electromagnetic radiation. The understanding of radiation and its various forms is crucial in fields such as physics, astronomy, and medical imaging, where the interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter plays a significant role.
In summary, radiation occurs when energy is transmitted by electromagnetic waves, and the mathematical relationship between energy and frequency is described by the equation E = hν, highlighting the quantum nature of electromagnetic radiation. This concept is foundational in explaining a wide range of phenomena across scientific disciplines.