Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Flashcards for key vocabulary related to waves and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Wavelength

The distance between any point on a wave and the equivalent point on the next wave.

Frequency

The number of waves passing a point per second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Amplitude

The maximum distance a point moves from its rest position when a wave passes.

Period

The time taken for one complete wave to pass a given point, inversely related to frequency.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which the oscillation occurs in the same direction as the direction of the wave travel.

Doppler Effect

The change in observed frequency and wavelength of a wave when its source is moving relative to an observer.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Wave Speed Formula

The formula v = fλ, which relates wave speed (v), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ).

Microwave

A type of electromagnetic wave with a wavelength shorter than radio waves but longer than infrared waves, used in cooking and communications.

UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin burns and damage cells, often used in fluorescent lamps.

Gamma Ray

Electromagnetic radiation with a very short wavelength, used in medical treatments and sterilization.

X-rays

A form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet light, typically used in medical imaging to view inside the body.

Radio waves

Electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths, commonly used for communication in broadcasting and wireless technologies.

Visible light

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye, typically ranging from wavelengths of approximately 400 to 700 nanometers.