What Is Light? Flashcards
1
Q
A wave is…
A
A disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without transferring matter.
2
Q
Crest
A
Highest point of the wave
3
Q
Trough
A
Lowest point of the wave
4
Q
The center of a wave (when there are no waves) is called the…
A
Rest position
5
Q
λ
A
- Lambda
- Measured in metres
- Measures wavelength
6
Q
a
A
- Amplitude
- The absolute wave height from the rest position
- Value is ALWAYS positive
7
Q
ƒ
A
- Frequency
- Rate of repetition of a wave
- Measured in Hertz (Hz), which is cycles per second
8
Q
Light is both…
A
A particle AND a wave
9
Q
A medium
A
- Any physical substance (such as air, water and dust) that acts as a carrier for the transmission of energy
- CARRIES and TRANSMITS
E.G - Sound travels through air particles
- Water travels through water
- A rope or slinky can be a medium for waves
10
Q
Electromagnetic Waves
A
- Used to describe light because light is made up of oscillating electric AND magnetic waves
- The electric field goes up and down
- The magnetic field goes side to side
11
Q
What is the speed of light?
A
299,792,4583 m/s
OR 2.998 x 10^8 m/s
Referred to as “c”
12
Q
What are the different wavelengths on the spectrum?
A
Radio waves
Microwaves
Infrared
Ultraviolet (UV)
X-Rays
Gamma rays
Rameil’s Mother Is Visiting Uncle Xavier’s Garden
13
Q
A