Electromagnetic Radiation and Its Applications

These flashcards cover key concepts related to electromagnetic radiation, its properties, types, and applications.

Electromagnetic Waves

Waves that propagate through space consisting of electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The entire range of electromagnetic radiation categorized based on wavelength or frequency.

Propagation Direction

The direction in which electromagnetic waves travel.

Maxwell's Equation

Formulated by James Clerk Maxwell; describes how electric and magnetic fields interact and propagate as electromagnetic waves.

Electromagnetic Induction

The process by which a moving wire through a magnetic field generates an electric current.

Radio Waves

The longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, essential for modern communication.

Microwaves

Electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths than radio waves, used for cooking and communication.

Infrared Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light, often felt as heat.

Visible Light

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum detectable by the human eye, allowing us to see the world.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light, associated with sunburns and sterilization.

X-Rays

High-energy electromagnetic radiation useful for medical imaging, capable of ionizing atoms.

Gamma Rays

The highest energy electromagnetic waves, produced by nuclear reactions, and used in radiation therapy.

Crest

The highest point of a wave, where energy is concentrated.

Trough

The lowest point of a wave, where the medium is displaced the most in the opposite direction to the crest.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement from the rest position in a wave, measuring the energy carried.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of a wave.

Frequency (f)

The number of complete wave cycles that pass a given point per unit of time, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Node

A point along a wave where the wave has zero amplitude.