Electromagnetic Waves and Photons Flashcards
How is a EM wave formed?
an electric field induces a magnetic field, vice versa
How does a EM wave oscillate?
oscillates at right angles to each other and the direction of propagation
What does an EM wave contain and how is it emitted?
form of energy in waves and is emitted and absorbed by charged particles when they loose energy
e.g. when an electron in an atom moves down to a lower energy level
or when an electron is stopped
the particle emitted is the photon
What is the wave speed of an EM wave equal to and what is its equation?
light
c=fλ
c=speed of light in a vacuum
f=frequency
λ=wavelength
What are the properties of photons?
no charge or mass
fundamental particle
smallest unit of EM radiation
they are waves so they transfer energy and have a frequency
released in bursts
What is the photon equation?
E = hf
photon energy = Planck’s constant x frequency
energy is proportional to frequency
