Electromagnetic spectrum and wave properties

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

A family of waves that transfer energy without requiring moving particles.

What is the speed of light in air/vacuum?

3.0 x 10^8 m/s

What are the common properties of all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum?

They are all transverse waves, travel at the speed of light, can travel through a vacuum, and exhibit reflection, refraction, and diffraction.

How does frequency relate to energy in the electromagnetic spectrum?

Higher frequency radiation contains higher energy.

What happens to light when it travels from air into a more optically dense material?

It slows down, changes direction towards the normal, and its wavelength decreases.

What is refraction?

The change in wave speed of light when changing medium.

What occurs when light travels into a less optically dense material?

It speeds up, changes direction away from the normal, and its wavelength increases.

What is diffraction?

The spreading of waves when they reach a gap in a barrier or the edge of an object.

Why is radio reception often better than television reception in hilly areas?

Radio waves have a longer wavelength and can diffract more around hills.

What is the formula for wave speed?

v = fλ (wave speed = frequency x wavelength)

What is the wavelength range for X-rays?

Approximately 10^-10 meters.

What is the wavelength range for gamma rays?

Approximately 10^-12 meters.

What is the wavelength range for visible light?

Approximately 0.5 x 10^-6 meters (500 nm).

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

As wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa.

What is the angle of incidence?

The angle between the incident ray and the normal line at the boundary.

What is the angle of refraction?

The angle between the refracted ray and the normal line at the boundary.

What is the normal line in optics?

A line at 90° to the surface of a material.

What happens to light at a boundary when the angle of incidence is zero?

There is no change in direction; light continues straight.

How does the wavelength of light change when it enters a denser medium?

The wavelength decreases.

How does the wavelength of light change when it enters a less dense medium?

The wavelength increases.

What is the significance of the electromagnetic spectrum in energy transfer?

It illustrates how different types of radiation transfer energy across various wavelengths.

What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum from longest to shortest wavelength?

Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-ray, Gamma Ray.