26 Flashcards
What is light?
electromagnetic wave made of vibrating electric and magnetic fields. Originates from the accelerated motion of electrons
What is the lowest frequency of light we can see?
Red. Below that is infrared, micro and radio
What is the highest frequency of light we can see?
Violet. Above that is ultraviolet, x-ray, gamma
What is the average speed of light through a few various materials?
Vacuum - c (300,000,000 m/s) Atmosphere - slightly less than c Water - .75 c Glass .67 Diamond .41
Do electromagnetic waves change speed?
no. The balance of electric to magnetic waves has to remain the same. The wavelength and frequency can change, but not speed.
Electromagnetic spectrum
The classification of frequencies of electromagnetic waves.
What produces an electromagnetic wave?
An oscillating or accelerating electric charge
The electromagnetic waves having the highest speed in free space are _________.
none in particular as gamma, radio, and light have the same speed
How does frequency change when wavelength is increased?
The frequency decreases
How do the wavelength and frequency of infrared light compare to the wavelength and frequency of ultraviolet light?
The wavelength of infrared is larger than that of ultraviolet, and the frequency is smaller.
What are the principal differences between aradio waveandlight? Betweenlightand anX-ray?
Radio waves have a lower frequency and longer wavelength than visible light waves. Light waves have a lower frequency and longer wavelength than X-rays.
