Electromagnetic Waves and Communication Principles

These flashcards cover key concepts related to electromagnetic waves, their properties, types, and the principles of wireless communication.

Electromagnetic Wave

A transverse wave that transfers electrical and magnetic energy.

Speed of Light

The speed at which all electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum, approximately 300,000 kilometers per second.

Electromagnetic Radiation

The energy transferred through space by electromagnetic waves.

Polarized Light

Light that vibrates in only one direction after passing through a polarizing filter.

Photoelectric Effect

The phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from a material when it is exposed to light.

Photon

A packet of light energy.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The complete range of electromagnetic waves arranged in order of increasing frequency.

Radio Waves

Electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and the lowest frequencies.

Infrared Rays

Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than those of radio waves, often perceived as heat.

Visible Light

Electromagnetic waves that can be seen by the human eye; a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Ultraviolet Rays

Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths just shorter than visible light; can damage living cells.

X-Rays

Electromagnetic waves with high frequencies that can penetrate body tissues to create images of bones.

Gamma Rays

Electromagnetic waves with the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies, used in medical applications to kill cancer cells.

Incandescent Bulb

A type of light bulb that produces light by heating a tungsten filament until it glows.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode)

A type of light source that produces light from the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material.

AM (Amplitude Modulation)

A method of encoding audio signals in the height of radio waves, allowing long-distance transmission.

FM (Frequency Modulation)

A method of encoding audio signals in the frequency of radio waves, resulting in better sound quality.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

A network of satellites that provides location information anywhere on Earth.