11.6 Electromagnetic Waves Flashcards
List the electromagnetic spectrum in the order of decreasing frequency
Gamma, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, radio
State the relationship between the frequency and period of a wave
F = 1/T
What is the equilibrium position in waves
The resting position for particles in the medium
Give 2 similarities all electromagnetic waves share
- They travel at the same speed in a vacuum
- They oscillate in electric and magnetic fields
State the wavelength of visible light
From 4 x 10^-7 to 7 x 10^-7
Define displacement in waves
The distance from the equilibrium position in a particular direction, displacement is a vector therefore it can have a positive or a negative value
State he wavelength of gamma rays
From 10^-10 m to 10^-16 m
State the wavelength of microwaves
From 10^-1 m to 10^-3 m
State 2 properties of electromagnetic waves
- transverse waves with electric and magnetic field components don’t need a medium to propagate ( to move through )
- they travel at a speed of 3 x 10^8 ms-1 in a vacuum