Electromagnetic Waves and Planck's Theory

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Questions and Answers

Draw a wave and explain how a wavelength is measured:

A wave can be represented by a sinusoidal curve. Wavelength, denoted by the Greek letter lambda (λ), is the distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave. To measure wavelength, you can use a ruler to determine the distance between two corresponding points on the wave, such as from crest to crest or from trough to trough.

Explain frequency:

Frequency, denoted by the Greek letter nu (ν), refers to the number of wave cycles that pass a fixed point in a given amount of time. It is typically measured in Hertz (Hz), where 1 Hz represents one cycle per second.

Write down how you would explain the Electromagnetic Wave Relationship to a friend that has a test on it the next day:

The Electromagnetic Wave Relationship states that the speed of light (c) is constant and is equal to the product of the wavelength (λ) and the frequency (ν) of the electromagnetic wave. This means that as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa. To illustrate, you could use an analogy of a rope: when you shake it faster (higher frequency), the waves become closer together (shorter wavelength).

List the different regions in the Electromagnetic Spectrum in order of least energy to most energy:

The regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of least energy to most energy are: Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible light, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what Planck explains in his theory (including his constant, a quanta, energy, and photons):

Max Planck's theory proposed that energy is not emitted or absorbed continuously, but rather in discrete packets called quanta. The energy of a quantum is proportional to the frequency of the radiation, as expressed by the equation E = hν, where E is the energy, h is Planck's constant, and ν is the frequency. This theory introduced the concept of photons, which are particles of light that carry energy and momentum. Planck's constant (h) has a value of approximately 6.626 x 10⁻³⁴ J·s. Signup and view all the answers

The yellow light given off by a sodium vapor lamp used for public lighting has a wavelength of 589 nm. What is the frequency of this radiation?

3.21 x 10¹⁴ Hz Signup and view all the answers

A certain microwave has a wavelength of 0.032 meters. Calculate the frequency of this microwave.

9.375 x 10⁹ Hz Signup and view all the answers

A radio station broadcasts at a frequency of 590 KHz. What is the wavelength of the radio waves?

508.5 m Signup and view all the answers

A radio station broadcasts music at the frequency of 95.5 megahertz. How much energy is contained in this electromagnetic radiation?

6.34 x 10⁻²⁶ J Signup and view all the answers

Microwave ovens emit microwave energy with a wavelength of 12.9 cm. What is the energy of exactly one photon of this microwave radiation?

1.54 x 10⁻²⁴ J Signup and view all the answers

Calculate the energy of one photon of yellow light that has a wavelength of 589 nm.

3.37 x 10⁻¹⁹ J Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Wavelength

The distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave.

Frequency

The number of waves passing a fixed point in one second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Electromagnetic Wave Relationship

The relationship between wavelength and frequency of electromagnetic radiation. It states that wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional.