Electromagnetic Radiation and Optics

Order the types of electromagnetic radiation from lowest to highest frequency.

Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible Light, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma Rays.

How do the speeds of electromagnetic (EM) waves differ in a vacuum and air?

They travel at the same speed in both a vacuum and air.

What causes refraction in waves traveling through different mediums?

Higher velocity; wave speed is slower in denser materials.

In which direction do waves refract when entering a denser medium?

They bend towards the normal.

What happens to the angle of refraction when waves enter a denser medium?

The angle of refraction is less than the angle of incidence.

How can radio waves create an alternating current in a circuit?

When absorbed, radio waves induce oscillations in a circuit at the same frequency as the waves.

What health effects can ultraviolet waves cause?

They can cause premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.

What are the health effects of X-rays and Gamma rays?

These are ionizing radiation that can cause gene mutations and increase cancer risk.

How does a convex lens form an image?

Parallel rays of light are refracted and focused at a point known as the principal focus.

What is the focal length of a lens?

The distance from the lens to the principal focus.

What is the difference between images produced by convex and concave lenses?

Convex lenses can produce real or virtual images; concave lenses can only produce virtual images.

Why does magnification not have a unit?

It is a ratio between image height and object height, which does not require units.

What determines the colour of visible light waves?

The wavelength and frequency of the light waves.

What is meant by 'specular reflection'?

Reflection from a smooth surface in a single direction.

What is meant by 'diffuse reflection'?

Reflection from a rough surface causing scattering.

How does a red colour filter work?

A red filter absorbs all wavelengths except for those in the red range, allowing only red light to pass.

What determines the colour of an opaque object?

Different objects reflect different wavelengths of light; the most strongly reflected wavelengths determine the colour.

What happens to wavelengths of light that aren't reflected by an opaque object?

They are absorbed by the object.

What are the seven types of electromagnetic radiation from lowest to highest frequency?

Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible Light, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma Rays.

What is the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?

All EM waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum.

What effect does density have