EM Spectrum Flashcards
Electromagnetic radiation
Electromagnetic waves consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields travelling at the speed of light
Electromagnetic spectrum
The entire range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation, from high frequency gamma rays to low frequency radio waves
Electromagnetic wave
Transverse electric and magnetic fields positioned at right angles to each other and travelling through empty space at the speed of light
Frequency
Number of waves produced each second and is measured in hertz
Gamma ray
Extremely high frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by radioactive materials
Infrared radiation
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths slightly longer than those visible light, detected by our skin as heat
Microwave
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelength ranging form fractions of a millimetre to ten of centimetre, used in communication and cooking
Radio waves
Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from less than a centimetre to hundreds of kilometres, used in communication
Transverse waves
Awave in which the vibration is at right angles to the direction the wave is travelling
Ultraviolet light
Electromagnetic radiation with frequencies just above those of visible light, contained in sunlight
Visible light
Light that an be seen by the human eye
Wave motion
The transfer of energy without transferring matter
Wavelength
The distance from one peak of the wave to the next
X-rays
High frequency electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate materials
