CH 301 Unit 1 QT1.1/1.2/1.3

wavelength (λ)

distance between wave peaks (measured in nm,m,etc)

frequency (v)

number of waves passing a point per second (Hz or s^-1 )

energy (E)

energy carried by radiation (J)

EMR spectrum ordered based on increasing energy

Radio, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible, Ultraviolet, X-Rays, Gamma

wavelength and energy: relationship

inverse relationship: wavelength gets smaller, energy increases

energy and frequency: relationship

direct relationship: as energy increases, so does frequency

Radio waves

excite spin of nucleus (eg. MRI)

Micro waves

excites the spin of electrons (excites rotation of H₂O)

Infrared rays

causes vibration in molecules (night vision goggles)

UV rays

excites valance electrons (causes sunburns)

X-rays

excites core electrons (used in medicine for invasive imaging)

Gamma rays

associated with decay of atom nucleus