Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
What is white light?
White light is the light that is emitted by the Sun. It consists of seven visible coloured lights, each has its own wavelength and frequency
Dispersion of white light
Where a beam of white light, entering a prism, is split into its seven components when coming out of the prism
Spectrum of white light (colours)
Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet
How are the colours related to wavelength?
Red light has the longest wavelength while violet has the shortest
Properties of an electromagnetic wave (5)
1) It is a transverse wave
2) It obeys the laws of reflection and refraction
3) It is not affected by electric and magnetic fields
4) It travels at a speed of 3x10>8 m/s in vacuum or air
5) It obeys the wave equation v=f,lamda
In the formula v=f,lamda. What does the v,f and lamda stand for?
Velocity and frequency and wavelength respectively
Electromagnetic spectrum in order of increasing wavelength/decreasing frequency
Gamma Rays X-rays Ultraviolet Rays White light Infrared Rays Microwaves Radio waves
Applications of gamma rays (2)
1) Kill cancerous cells
2) Detects cracks in metals
Application of X-rays (3)
1) Kills cancerous cells
2) Detection of cracks in metals
3) To detect broken bones
Application of ultraviolet rays (3)
1) In sun beds for tanning
2) In fluorescent tubes
3) Sterilisation (medical equipment/water)
Application of white/visible light (1)
1) Used in optical fibres
Application of infrared rays (2)
1) Remote controls
2) Intruder alarms
Applications of microwaves (2)
1) Satellite communications for TV and telephones
2) Cooking food in microwave oven
Application of radio waves (1)
1) Radio and television communications
