Electromagnetic Radiation Properties

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Questions and Answers

What describes the dual character of electromagnetic radiation?

It exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. (correct)
It has no relation to atomic spectra.
It behaves only as a wave.
It consists solely of particles.

Who proposed that light was initially thought to be made of particles?

Niels Bohr
James Maxwell
Isaac Newton (correct)
Albert Einstein

What is produced when an electrically charged particle moves under acceleration?

Only electric fields.
Static fields without wave properties.
Only magnetic fields.
Alternating electric and magnetic fields. (correct)

What term is used to describe the waves produced by the motion of charged particles?

Electromagnetic waves (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is NOT true about electromagnetic radiation?

It behaves solely as a particle. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does atomic spectra refer to?

The wavelengths of light emitted or absorbed by atoms. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which concept did James Maxwell introduce regarding electromagnetic radiation?

Charged particles create waves through acceleration. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the wave nature of electromagnetic radiation?

It travels through space as a series of alternating electric and magnetic fields. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between frequency (𝜈), wavelength (𝜆), and the velocity of light (c)?

$ u ext{λ} = c$ (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phenomena cannot be explained by classical physics?

Line spectra of atoms (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Planck's Quantum Theory state regarding energy emission?

Energy can only be emitted in discrete quantities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is Planck's constant (h) value?

$6.626 imes 10^{-34} ext{ J s}$ (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon is illustrated by the ejection of electrons from a metal surface upon exposure to radiation?

Photoelectric effect (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of a quantum of radiation?

It is the smallest discrete quantity of energy. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is the energy (E) of a quantum of radiation calculated?

$E = h u$ (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT relate to the particle nature of electromagnetic radiation?

Diffraction patterns (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the electric and magnetic fields in an electromagnetic wave?

They possess the same wavelength, frequency, speed, and amplitude. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum can be detected by the human eye?

Visible light around 1015 Hz (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which electromagnetic radiation generally requires special instruments for detection?

Gamma rays (A), X-rays (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of oscillation for the electric and magnetic fields in electromagnetic waves?

They oscillate perpendicularly to each other. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses various types of radiation. What is one of the key factors that differentiates them?

Their wavelength or frequency (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did Maxwell reveal about light waves?

They are associated with oscillating electric and magnetic fields. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum?

It occupies a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to use special instruments for detecting non-visible radiation?

They operate at frequencies that are not perceptible to the human eye. (C) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Dual Nature of Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties.
Historical perspective: Early theories by Newton posited light as particles (corpuscles).

Wave Nature of Electromagnetic Radiation

Proposed by James Maxwell in 1870, indicating accelerated charged particles generate alternating electric and magnetic fields.
Electromagnetic waves are produced and transmitted in wave forms.
Units of electromagnetic radiation relate to wavelength; expressed as reciprocal of wavelength (m–1 or cm-1).
Relationship established by the equation: frequency (𝜈) x wavelength (𝜆) = velocity of light (c).

Particle Nature of Electromagnetic Radiation

Observations not explained by classical physics include:
- Black-body radiation from hot objects.
- Photoelectric effect, where electrons are ejected from metals upon radiation exposure.
- Temperature-dependent variations in heat capacity of solids.
- Atomic line spectra, particularly for hydrogen.

Planck’s Quantum Theory

Energy absorption or emission by atoms and molecules occurs in discrete quantities, termed quanta.
The energy (E) of a quantum is proportional to its frequency (𝜈), represented by E = h𝜈.
Planck’s constant (h) is valued at 6.626×10⁻³⁴ J·s, crucial in defining quantum energy.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Light waves consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, vibrating in perpendicular planes.
Electromagnetic radiation varies in wavelength and frequency, forming the electromagnetic spectrum.
Visible light, detected by the human eye, occupies a small range around 10¹⁵ Hz.
Specialized instruments are necessary for sensing non-visible radiation.

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