Waves, refraction, EM spectrum Flashcards
Describe a transverse wave
A wave in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the wave’s direction of travel
Describe a longitudinal wave
A wave in which the oscillations are pararllell to the wave’s direction of travel
What is refraction?
The change in direction of a wave at the boundary between two materials caused by a change in speed
What would happen if a light beam travelled from air to glass?
It would slow down and bend towards the normal, when emerging from the glass, the beam would speed up and bend away from the normal
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
Radio, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma
What does the EM spectrum increase in?
Energy and frequency, meaning the waves become increasingly dangerous
Give an example of some transverse waves
Ripples on the surface water, EM waves, seismic S-waves
Give an example of some longitudinal waves
Sound waves, ultrasound waves, seismic P - waves
State the uses of radio waves
Radio and television signals
State the uses of microwaves
Heating food, satellite and mobile phone communication
State the uses of infrared waves
Transmitting information in optical fibers, remote controls and infrared cameras
State the uses of visible light waves
Photosynthesis, lasers in CD players
State the uses of ultraviolet waves
Suntan bed, detecting forged bank notes
State the uses of x-rays
Medical imaging, inspection of metal fatigue and airport security
State the uses of gamma waves
Killing cancerous cells
