Electromagnetic Wave Properties
We explore electromagnetic wave properties and the electromagnetic spectrum. The wave nature and particle nature of light are compared. We also examine how the wave velocity equation is applied to light.
We explore electromagnetic wave properties and the electromagnetic spectrum. The wave nature and particle nature of light are compared. We also examine how the wave velocity equation is applied to light.
Learning Objectives
-Explore the electromagnetic spectrum.
-Be able to identify radiation at different frequencies and list ways they are useful in our everyday life.
-Calculate using the wave velocity equation as it applies to the speed of light where the speed of light equals the frequency multiplied by the wavelength of a wave.
-Describe the photoelectric effect and why it explains the particle nature of light.
-Explore the nature of the wave-particle duality of light.
-Explore the electromagnetic spectrum.
-Be able to identify radiation at different frequencies and list ways they are useful in our everyday life.
-Calculate using the wave velocity equation as it applies to the speed of light where the speed of light equals the frequency multiplied by the wavelength of a wave.
-Describe the photoelectric effect and why it explains the particle nature of light.
-Explore the nature of the wave-particle duality of light.
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Vocabulary
amplitude - the height of a transverse wave measured from the equilibrium position to the top of a crest or the bottom of a trough. crest - the highest point on a transverse wave. electromagnetic spectrum - the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends, includes radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma radiation. far infrared - infrared waves that are far from visual light. frequency (f) - the number of wavelengths that pass by a given point every second; SI unit is the Hertz (Hz). gamma radiation - a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths less than 1pm; used in cancer treatment and also given off by supernova and the sun. infrared radiation - a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from 1μm - 1mm in length; we experience these waves as heat, some are used in remote controls. microwave radiation - a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from 1mm-1m in length; used with communication satellites, microwave ovens, and cell phones. near infrared -infrared waves that are closer to visual light. period (T) - the length of time it takes for a wavelength to pass by a given point in space measured in seconds; SI unit is seconds (s). photoelectric effect - the emission of electrons when light shines on a material. picometer - one trillionth of a meter, 10-12. radio radiation - a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from 1cm -1km in length; uses include being used to transmit AM, FM, and television signals. trough - the lowest point on a transverse wave. ultraviolet radiation - a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from 10nm-400nm in length; emitted by the sun and can penetrate living cells. visible light radiation - a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from 400nm - 700nm in length; the part of the electromagnetic spectrum we can see with our eyes. wavelength (λ) - the length on a transverse wave that includes one full crest and one full trough; SI unit is the meter (m). wave-particle duality - the idea that light behaves like a particle and like a wave. X-ray radiation - a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths from 0.01nm - 10 nm in length; can penetrate skin and muscle but, are blocked by bone allowing for the formation of x-ray images. |