Electromagnetic Waves and Energy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to electromagnetic waves and their properties, aimed at assisting in exam preparation.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between one crest of a wave to another.

Amplitude

The distance a wave rises or falls from its neutral position.

Frequency

The number of waves (cycles) that pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Electromagnetic Wave

Waves that do not require a medium to travel through, such as light and x-rays.

Inverse Relationship

The relationship where an increase in one quantity results in a decrease in another quantity, such as frequency and wavelength.

Planck's Constant (eV)

A constant used to describe the relationship between the energy of photons and their frequency.

Photons

Packets of energy that represent the smallest quantity of electromagnetic radiation.

Visible Light

A small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, ranging from violet to red.

Gamma Rays

High energy electromagnetic waves emitted by radioactive materials, featuring very short wavelengths.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Light with higher frequencies than visible light, capable of causing sunburn and sterilizing equipment.

Infrared (IR) Light

Light with longer wavelengths and lower frequencies than visible light, used in remote controls and thermal imaging.

Microwave

Electromagnetic radiation with low energy and frequency, used in microwave ovens.

Radio Waves

Electromagnetic waves with very low energy and frequency, used in communication technologies such as radio and television.

Attenuation

The reduction in the intensity of radiation due to absorption and/or scattering.

Radiopaque Material

Materials that can absorb x-rays, such as bones.

Radiolucent Material

Materials that x-rays can easily penetrate, such as air and soft tissues.

Inverse Square Law

A law stating that the intensity of radiation is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the source.