Topic 2: Nature of Light and Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
Light is uniquely…
a particle AND a wave
Waves (DIP) meaning that…
waves diffract, interfere and
Particles cause RIP PC meaning…
refraction, ionization, photoelectric effect, pair production and compton scatter
What is diffraction?
radiation passing through a slit, emits radiation in all directions
What does Huygen’s principle state?
every point of a wavefront serves as a source for further waves
What is interference and what are the types?
when waves meet, they interfere when in the same phase (amplitudes add up and cause constructive interference) or they are destructive when they get in opposite phase- they cancel each other out
What is polarization?
waves oscillating oriented to a preferred direction as it propagates as a transverse wave
What is excitation?
the same as ionization.. light’s capability of transferring energy to matter (heating, thermal energy, transferring energy via photoelectric effect)
What is the photoelectric effect?
(photons contain energy that can produce) production of electrons when light is shone onto a material
When does the photoelectric effect occur?
It occurs during ionizing radiation
What is refraction?
light “bending” when passing from one medium to another that affects it’s speed. Angle depends on Fermat’s principle
What does Fermat’s Principle state?
When moving from point A to point B, light travels in the path that takes the less time
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
Full range of wavelengths that are possible for electromagnetic radiation
the difference in wavelength of electromagnetic radiation corresponds to…
the energy of the radiation
If wavelength decreases…..
frequency increases-
