Electromagnetic Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to electromagnetic waves and their behavior, as well as the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic Waves (EM waves)

Waves that are formed by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields and can travel through a vacuum.

Transverse Waves

Waves in which the disturbance moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave propagation.

Visible Light

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, consisting of various colors.

Wavelength

The distance between successive crests of a wave, which determines the color of visible light.

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a fixed point in a unit of time, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).

Amplitude

The height of a wave from its rest position, which determines the brightness of light waves.

Reflection

The bouncing back of light rays when they hit a surface such as a mirror.

Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The complete range of electromagnetic waves ordered by increasing frequency.

Infrared Waves

Electromagnetic waves with longer wavelengths than visible light, which are not visible but can be detected as heat.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light, which can be harmful in high doses.

X-rays

High-frequency waves used in medical imaging, capable of penetrating soft tissues to reveal bone structures.

Gamma Rays

Electromagnetic radiation with the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies, often used in cancer treatment.

Sensor

A device that detects and measures a physical property, such as light, and responds or records it.