Characteristics of Light Waves

These flashcards cover the essential concepts related to frequency, wavelength, and the speed of light as discussed in the lecture.

Frequency

The number of wave cycles passing a given point per second, represented by the Greek letter nu.

Wavelength

The distance from one wave cycle to the next, represented by the Greek letter lambda.

Speed of Light

A constant value of 300 million meters per second (3 x 10⁸ m/s) symbolized as c.

Inverse Relationship

The relationship between frequency and wavelength, where an increase in one results in a decrease in the other.

Hertz

The unit of frequency, expressed as cycles per second.

Visible Spectrum

The range of wavelengths of light detectable by the human eye, between 400 and 700 nanometers.

Mathematical Relationship

The equation that relates speed of light (c) to wavelength (lambda) and frequency (nu): c = lambda nu.

波长与频率的关系

A longer wavelength corresponds to a lower frequency, and a shorter wavelength corresponds to a higher frequency.

Cycles per Second

The unit used to express frequency; often simplified to 'per second', represented mathematically as s⁻¹.

Light Waves

A form of electromagnetic radiation that travels at the speed of light.