Chapter 3: Astronomy Today

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to Chapter 3 in the Astronomy Today lecture.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Transmission of energy through space without physical connection through varying electric and magnetic fields.

Wave Motion

Transmits energy without the physical transport of material.

Wavelength (λ)

Distance between successive crests of a wave.

Frequency (f)

Number of wave crests that pass a given point per second.

Period (T)

Time between passage of successive crests.

Blackbody Radiation

The theoretical spectrum of radiation emitted by a perfect blackbody, which absorbs all incident radiation.

Doppler Effect

Change in perceived wavelength of radiation due to the relative motion between the source and observer.

Thermal Radiation

Energy emitted by an object due to its temperature, typically having a spectrum characteristic of its temperature.

Kelvin Temperature Scale

A temperature scale where all thermal motion ceases at 0 K, which is absolute zero.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible and invisible forms.