EMR Ranking and Light-Matter Interactions

Vocabulary flashcards covering EMR variable relationships, wavelength ranges, spectrum order, and light-matter interactions.

Energy and Frequency Relationship

The direct proportionality between energy ($E$) and frequency ($\nu$) of a photon, expressed by the equation $E = h\nu$.

Frequency and Wavelength Relationship

The inverse proportionality between frequency ($\nu$) and wavelength ($\theta$) of light, expressed by the equation $\nu = \frac{c}{\frac{1}{\theta}}$.

Energy and Wavelength Relationship

The inverse proportionality between energy ($E$) and wavelength ($\theta$) of a photon, expressed by the equation $E = \frac{hc}{\theta}$.

Visible Light Spectrum

The region of electromagnetic radiation spanning wavelengths from $300$ to $800$ nm.

Infrared Light

Electromagnetic radiation at slightly longer wavelengths ($800$ to $1400$ nm) than visible light.

Radio Waves

Electromagnetic radiation that causes atomic nuclei to spin in a strong magnetic field, utilized when MRI is performed.

Microwaves

Electromagnetic radiation that causes electrons to spin and molecules to rotate; when applied to $H_2O$, this rotation generates kinetic energy that heats food.

Infrared Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation that causes molecules to vibrate, such as the characteristic vibration of OH groups in alcohol measured in a drunk person's breath.

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation that causes skin to burn, which, like visible light, is the result of valence electrons being excited to higher energy levels.

X-rays

Electromagnetic radiation that causes inner shell electrons to excite, used to produce X-ray images in the body.

Gamma Rays ($\nu$-rays)

High-energy radiation strong enough to cause the atom's nucleus to fall apart.

Electromagnetic Radiation Spectrum Order

The ranking of EMR types in order of increasing wavelength (and decreasing energy $E$ and frequency $\nu$): $\nu\text{-rays}$, X-rays, UV, visible light, IR, $\theta\text{-wave}$, and radio waves.