Physics - key terms

Bioluminescence: The production and emission of light by living organisms as a result of a chemical reaction.

Fluorescence: The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation.

EM spectrum: The range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.

Microwaves: Electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from one meter to one millimeter, used for communication, cooking, and other applications.

Visible light: Electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye, typically with wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers.

Infrared: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light, but shorter than microwaves, used in thermal imaging and communication.

Incandescence: The emission of light by a heated object, such as a light bulb filament.

Neon light: A type of lighting that uses neon gas to produce a colored glow.

Phosphorescent: The emission of light by a substance after exposure to light or other radiation has ceased.

Chemiluminescence: The emission of light as a result of a chemical reaction, often used in glow sticks and certain biological processes.

Triboluminescence: The emission of light when a material is scratched, crushed, or rubbed.

Luminous: Emitting or reflecting light.

Non-luminous: Not emitting or reflecting light.