Electromagnetic Waves and Their Properties

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminologies related to electromagnetic waves, their properties, and associated phenomena as discussed in the lecture.

Speed of Light (c)

The constant speed at which all electromagnetic radiation travels in a vacuum, approximately 2.998 x 10^8 meters per second.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between two identical points on consecutive waves, often measured in nanometers.

Frequency (ν)

The number of waves that pass a given point in a specific time period, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).

Amplitude

The height of the wave from the center line to the crest or trough, indicative of the wave's energy.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared radiation, microwaves, and radio waves.

Photoelectric Effect

The phenomenon where electrons are ejected from a material when it is exposed to light of certain frequencies.

Inversely Proportional

A relationship where one variable increases while the other decreases, such as wavelength and frequency in wave properties.

Hertz (Hz)

The unit of frequency representing cycles per second.

Photons

The quantum of electromagnetic radiation, representing a particle of light.

Resonance

The phenomenon where a system oscillates at larger amplitudes at specific frequencies.

Continuous Spectrum

The range of colors produced when light passes through a prism, showing all wavelengths of visible light.

Standing Waves

Waves that remain stationary and do not travel, often formed by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

Max Planck's Constant (h)

A fundamental constant used to calculate the energy of a photon, defined as approximately 6.626 x 10^-34 Joule seconds.