Optics Flashcards
What is light and electromagnetic waves
Light is the only form of energy that can travel like a wave through empty spaces and some materials. Light behaves like a special kind of wave called an electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves are like water waves that involve the movement of one place to another. They do not need particles to travel. Electromagnetic waves can travel through some vacuums such as space at the speed of light which (3.00x10*)
What is the crest
Crest is the highest point of the wave
trough
The lowest point of the wave
Resting position
Is when there is no waves.
Wavelength
The distance between one point of the wave to a smiliar place on the wave. It is measured in nanometers and repesented in Lambda.
Amplitude
Is the waves height from the resting position to the crest of the wave or the depth of the resting position to the trough. The intensity of the wave depends on the amplitude. Having shorter waves means more energy trasnffered.
Frequency
The rate of repetition in a wave. The energy of a wave depends on the frequency.
Light and its properties
Light is an electromangetic wave that is transmitted through radiation. So, this means that it does not need a medium to be transmitted. Visibel light is the light that humans can see.
Types of Electromagnetic waves
- Gramma rays
- x rays
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
- Infrared light
- Visible light
- Ultraviolet light.
Uses Radio waves
- Fm/am radio
-Cellphone communications
-Radar - Astronomy (discover pulsars)
- tv signals
Microwaves
- Telecommunication
- Microwave ovens
- Astronomy (discover addition radiation that was associated with the big bang)
Infrared light
- Physiotherapy
- Remote controls
- Lasers
- heat detection
Visible light
- light that is visible to the human eyes
- Rainbows
- Theater/concert light
- visible lasers
- Astronomy (optical telescopes)
Ultraviolet rays
- Increase the chances of getting skin cancer
- Causes sunburn and tan
- Sterilization
- Ultraviolet rays
- “Black light”
- Increases production of Vitamin D
- Astronomy
X- rays
- Cancer treatments
- Security imaging
- Medical imaging
- Astronomy study of black holes and the middle of space.