Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
Electromagnetic radiation
energy that is transmitted from one place to another by light
Not all forms of electromagnetic radiation are
visable
most electromagnetic radiation cannot be
seen
types of electromagnetic radiation
X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, radio waves, infrared, ultraviolet light, and visible light
Electromagnetic radiation is known to travel in
transverse waves
various types of radiation differ in
wavelength and frequency
Wavelength
the distance between two consecutive waves
symbol for wavelength
λ (Greek letter lambda)
Wavelength is measured in
meters
Frequency
the number of wave peaks that pass by a certain point in a given time period
symbol for frequency
ν (Greek letter nu)
Frequency is measured in
Hertz (Hz) or the number of waves per second
Wavelength and frequency have an
inversely proportional relationship
c=λν
C= the speed of light (roughly 3.0 x 108m/s)
Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the greatest wavelength?
Radio
Which type of electromagnetic radiation has the greatest frequency?
Gamma ray
Which color light has the greatest wavelength?
Red
What type of light has the greatest frequency?
Violet
All forms of electromagnetic radiation have
wave-like properties. However, these types of light also behave like particles at times.
electromagnetic radiation has a
dual wave-particle nature
quanta
a specific quantity of energy in each particle of light
photons
particles of light
Which color photon would have the greatest amount of energy?
Violet
Which color photon would have the least amount of energy?
Red
