Understanding Electromagnetic Radiation Models

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the properties and models of electromagnetic radiation as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is visible light often used to model in the study of electromagnetic radiation?

All types of electromagnetic radiation.

What are the properties of electromagnetic radiation?

Invisible as it travels, involves transfer of energy, can travel through empty space at the speed of light, has both electrical and magnetic properties.

What model suggests that light travels in straight lines?

Ray model of light.

Who was the Greek mathematician that suggested that light travels in straight lines?

Euclid.

What do ray diagrams help to predict?

The behavior of light, including the location, size, and shape of shadows.

What happens to light rays as they spread out from a light source?

They get dimmer with distance.

In Young's experiment, what did Thomas Young show about the behavior of light?

Light has wave-like properties.

What was concluded from Young's experiment when light passed through two narrow slits?

Light spread out into a series of lines, indicating wave-like behavior.

What does the photoelectric effect demonstrate about light?

Light behaves as a particle, causing electrons to be emitted from a metal surface.

What are photons?

Particles of light energy that carry a specific amount of energy.

How does the wavelength of light relate to its frequency?

As wavelength decreases, frequency increases, and vice versa.

What is the order of colors in the visible light spectrum?

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet (ROY G BIV).

What is the photoelectric effect?

When light shines on a metal surface, it can cause the surface to emit electrons.

What effect did Lenard observe in his experiment with red light on metal?

Electrons were never given off, regardless of the brightness or duration of the red light.

What is the relationship between wavelength and energy of light?

Shorter wavelengths (like blue light) have more energy compared to longer wavelengths (like red light).

What did Isaac Newton discover about visible light using a prism?

Visible light is a mixture of colors, which can be recombined to form white light.