General Science: Light, Sound, Microbiology, and Basic Chemistry

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes covering properties and applications of light and sound, key microbiology terms and discoveries of Louis Pasteur, and essential chemical compounds and additives.

Light

Part of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye, traveling at about $300,000\text{ kilometers per second}$ or $186,000\text{ miles per second}$.

Dispersion

The property of light where white light separates into different colors, such as in a rainbow.

Transmission

The property of light allowing it to pass through certain materials, such as glass.

Absorption

The process by which materials take in light energy.

Reflection

The property of light where it bounces off a surface, like a mirror.

Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.

Laser Surgery

Medical application of lasers used to perform precise surgeries, such as LASIK eye surgeries.

Endoscopes

Optical instruments using light to examine internal organs without major surgery.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Light-based therapy used in cancer treatment to help destroy cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissue.

Phototherapy

Treatment using UV light for skin conditions such as psoriasis and vitiligo, or blue light for newborn jaundice.

Optical Fiber Communication

Communication method where light signals travel through optical fibers to transmit large amounts of data.

Hologram

A 3D-looking image created using light.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

A device that produces light using electricity.

Frequency

The number of vibrations or wave cycles produced in one second, measured in the unit $\text{Hertz}$.

Wavelength

The distance between two consecutive compressions or two consecutive rarefactions, measured in $\text{meters}$.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of particles from their rest position, measured in $\text{meters}$.

Wave Speed ($v$)

The speed at which sound travels through a medium, measured in $\text{meters/second}\text{ (m/s)}$ and calculated using the formula $v = fA$.

Period ($T$)

The time required for one complete vibration, measured in $\text{seconds}\text{ (s)}$ and calculated using the formula $T = \frac{1}{f}$.

Compression

A region in a sound wave where air particles are close together, creating high pressure.

Rarefaction

A region in a sound wave where air particles are spread apart, creating low pressure.

SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging)

System that uses sound waves to detect underwater objects and measure distances, commonly used by ships and submarines.

Echolocation

Method by which animals such as bats and dolphins emit sound waves and listen to echoes to determine the location, size, and movement of objects.

Echo Sounding

Method where ships send sound pulses downward and measure the time it takes for the echo to return.

Ultrasound Imaging

Medical application that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and a developing baby.

Soundproofing

The process of reducing or preventing sound from entering.

Amplifier

An electronic device that increases the strength (amplitude) of a sound signal.

Louis Pasteur

French scientist born December 27, 1822 and died September 28, 1895, who made foundational discoveries in microbiology, vaccines, and food safety.

Pasteurization

Process of heating food or drinks to reduce harmful microorganisms and slow spoilage.

Germ Theory

Explanation that microorganisms can cause diseases and infections.

Fermentation

Process in which microorganisms change sugars into substances such as alcohol or acids.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccine developed by Louis Pasteur to prevent rabies infection.

Anthrax Vaccine

Vaccine developed by Louis Pasteur to protect against anthrax.

Silkworm Disease Research

Pasteur's study of diseases affecting silkworms, which helped show that microorganisms could cause disease.

Spontaneous Generation

Concept disproved by Pasteur, showing that microorganisms come from existing microorganisms rather than appearing on their own.

Microbiology

Scientific study of microorganisms, established as an important field through Pasteur's research.

Microorganisms

Tiny living organisms that played a central role in Louis Pasteur's experiments.

Bacteria

Microorganisms that can cause disease and are involved in fermentation.

Yeast

Microorganism responsible for alcoholic fermentation.

Contamination

Introduction of unwanted microorganisms into food, liquids, or materials.

Immunity

The body's ability to resist a specific disease after vaccination.

Attenuation

The process of weakening a microorganism so it can be used to develop a vaccine.

Vaccination

The practice of using a vaccine to stimulate protection against disease.

Infection

Invasion or multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body.

Sanitation

Practices that reduce the spread of harmful microorganisms.

Public Health

Protecting communities through disease prevention, hygiene, and safer food.

BCG Vaccine

Vaccine commonly given to newborns to help protect against tuberculosis (TB), which was not developed by Louis Pasteur.

Oxygen ($\text{O}_2$)

Chemical substance listed as O. in basic chemical notation.

Carbon Dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$)

Chemical substance listed as CO in basic chemical notation.

Ethanol / Alcohol ($\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}$)

Chemical substance represented as C.H.OH.

Glucose ($\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6$)

Sugar compound represented by chemical notation C.HO..

Water ($\text{H}_2\text{O}$)

Chemical compound represented as H.O.

Acetic Acid / Vinegar ($\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$)

Chemical compound represented by the formula CH.COOH.

Oxidizers

Chemicals that help other substances react with oxygen.

Surfactants

Chemical agents that help remove dirt and oil.

Emulsifiers

Substances that help oil and water mix.

Emollients

Substances that soften and smooth the skin.

Preservatives

Substances added to keep products from spoiling.

Parabens

A type of preservative that prevents germs from growing.