Chapter 5: Properties of Light and Matter

Flashcards reviewing key concepts from Chapter 5 focusing on light, matter, their interactions, spectra, and the functioning of telescopes.

What is light?

Light is electromagnetic radiation that transmits energy through space via varying electric and magnetic fields.

What are the three basic types of spectra?

Continuous, emission, and absorption spectra.

What is the effect of thermal radiation on light?

Hotter objects emit more light at all frequencies and at higher average energy.

What is a photon?

Particles of light, each with a specific wavelength and frequency.

What determines the energy of a photon?

The energy of a photon depends on its frequency.

What is the Doppler Effect?

The shift in wavelength of light caused by the motion of an object toward or away from an observer.

What is an emission line spectrum?

The spectrum produced by a low-density cloud of gas that emits light only at specific wavelengths.

What is an absorption line spectrum?

The spectrum produced when a cloud of gas absorbs light at specific wavelengths, creating dark absorption lines.

How do telescopes collect light?

Telescopes collect light through reflecting mirrors or refracting lenses, allowing us to see further and in more detail.

What role does angular resolution play in telescopes?

Angular resolution is the ability of a telescope to distinguish small details in an image.

What is the role of adaptive optics in telescopes?

Adaptive optics compensates for atmospheric turbulence to enhance the clarity of telescope images.

What are the issues faced by ground-based telescopes?

Clouds, light pollution, atmospheric absorption, and blurring affect the observations made by ground-based telescopes.

How does matter interact with light?

Matter can emit, absorb, transmit, or reflect light, which influences what we observe.

What is an example of a cosmic messenger?

Neutrinos, cosmic rays, and gravitational waves are all examples of cosmic messengers.

What is Wien's Law related to?

Wien's Law relates the temperature of an object to the peak wavelength of its emitted radiation.

What is the significance of CCDs in telescopes?

CCDs (Charge-Coupled Devices) are used in telescopes to collect and analyze data, improving image quality and detail.