introduction to optics and light

Question 1

EM spectrum (shortest to longest)

Answer 1

gamma radiation 
x-ray
ultraviolet(UV) radiation 
visible spectrum 
infrared radiation 
microwave
radiofrequency wave

Question 2

what is wavefront?

Answer 2

• point source emit waves in all direction

- arc/curve formed w centre at source by connecting same position e.g. trough/crest on all waves

Question 3

characteristics of EM waves

Answer 3

• Travels through vacuum
• Distribution of electromagnetic radiation according to energy / frequency / wavelength
• Constant speed in vacuum at 3 x 10^8 m/s↑ frequency : ↓ wavelength↓ frequency : ↑ wavelength

-Requires no medium to propagate

-Consists of varying electric and magnetic fields
> Vibrate perpendicular to each other and to the direction of travel
> Vibrate at the same frequency of the wave

• Unaffected by electric and magnetic fields
• Travels in a straight line within the limit set by diffraction
• Capable of being polarized
• Quantity of energy carried by the EM waves depends on the magnitude of disturbance in the electric and magnetic fields
• Can be caused to produce interference effects