Electromagnetic Spectrum and Models of Light

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Questions and Answers

What type of electromagnetic wave is primarily used for TV communication?

  • Radio Waves (correct)
  • Infrared
  • Microwaves
  • Gamma Rays

Which property of light describes the distance between two peaks of a wave?

  • Frequency
  • Wavelength (correct)
  • Amplitude
  • Velocity

Which color of visible light has the shortest wavelength?

  • Violet (correct)
  • Red
  • Green
  • Yellow

What does a higher frequency in light waves indicate?

<p>More energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method explains how light reflects off surfaces?

<p>Ray Model (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does infrared light primarily feel to us?

<p>As heat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following electromagnetic waves has the highest energy?

<p>Gamma Rays (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when visible light passes through a prism?

<p>It splits into colors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic waves, which carry energy through space.

Wavelength

The distance between two peaks of a wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a point in one second. Higher frequency means more energy.

Wave model of light

The model explaining light's wave-like behavior, including phenomena like interference and diffraction.

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Particle model of light

The model explaining light's particle-like behavior, where it can carry energy and interact with matter.

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Ray model of light

The model explaining light traveling in straight lines, useful for understanding reflection and refraction.

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Visible Light

The visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, consisting of the colors of the rainbow.

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Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, like when light goes from air to water.

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Study Notes

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

  • The electromagnetic spectrum is a range of electromagnetic waves carrying energy through space.
  • Waves vary in wavelength (distance between peaks) and frequency (waves per second).
    • Longer wavelengths have lower energy, shorter wavelengths have higher energy.
  • Types of waves (longest to shortest wavelength):
    • Radio waves (communication, TV, radio, cell phones)
    • Microwaves (microwave ovens, radar)
    • Infrared (IR) (heat, remote controls, night vision)
    • Visible light (what we see, rainbow colors)
    • Ultraviolet (UV) (sunburns, tanning beds)
    • X-rays (seeing inside bodies, bones)
    • Gamma rays (highest energy, cancer treatment)

Models of Light

  • Scientists use three models to understand light:
    • Wave Model: Light acts like a wave with crests and troughs. Explains interference and diffraction.
    • Particle Model: Light is made of tiny particles called photons. Explains light energy and interactions with matter (e.g., solar panels).
    • Ray Model: Light travels in straight lines (rays). Useful for reflection (mirrors) and refraction (lenses).

Properties of Waves (Including Light)

  • Wavelength: Distance between wave peaks; shorter wavelength = higher energy.
  • Frequency: Number of waves passing a point per second; higher frequency = more energy.
  • Amplitude: Wave height; larger amplitude = brighter light (visible light).
  • Speed: Light travels at approximately 300,000 km/s in a vacuum.

Properties of Visible Light

  • Visible light is a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum we can see.
  • It contains different colors, each with a different wavelength.
    • Red (longest wavelength, least energy)
    • Violet (shortest wavelength, most energy)
  • Passing light through a prism separates it into a rainbow (refraction).

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