Electromagnetic energy Flashcards
electromagnetic energy
form of energy that is reflected or emitted from objects in the form of electrical and magnetic waves that can travel through space
includes visible light
wavelength
one complete cycle in direction of wave
amplitude
maximum extent from 0
frequency
number of waves per unit time
velocity
distance per unit time
photons
smallest quantom of any type of electromagnetic radiation (analagous to “atom”)
quantum
small packet of energy
has no mass
travels at speed of light, c
reflection
light bounces off interface of media
refraction
change in direction due to transition from one to another medium
diffraction
bend around an obstacle (ocean waves)
photons interact most easily with
matter of comparable size to wavelength
visible light
reflection
refraction
diffraction
energy transfer
transmission
absorption
attenuation
transmission
energy goes through
“penetrates”
absorption
uptake energy
