Electromagnetic Waves and Wave-Particle Duality

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Questions and Answers

A red laser pointer emits light with a wavelength of 650 nanometers. What is the frequency of this light?

  • 4.62 x 10^8 Hz
  • 3.00 x 10^8 Hz
  • 4.62 x 10^14 Hz (correct)
  • 1.89 x 10^15 Hz

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic property of electromagnetic radiation?

  • It travels at the speed of sound in air. (correct)
  • It can be reflected.
  • It can be diffracted.
  • It can be refracted.

A photon of light has a wavelength of 500 nanometers. What is its energy?

  • 3.98 x 10^-19 J (correct)
  • 1.24 x 10^-6 J
  • 2.48 x 10^-19 J
  • 6.63 x 10^-34 J

How does the energy of a photon change as its frequency increases?

<p>The energy increases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the photoelectric effect demonstrate about the nature of light?

<p>Light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Wavelength

The distance between two consecutive peaks of a wave.

Frequency

The number of waves that pass a point in one second.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of EM radiation, including visible light.

Photoelectric Effect

The emission of electrons from a material when light shines on it.

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Atomic Emission Spectra

The spectrum of light emitted by a substance when electrons drop to lower energy levels.

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Study Notes

Electromagnetic Wave Properties

  • Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of a wave. Measured in meters (m), nanometers (nm), or angstroms (Å).
  • Frequency (ν): The number of waves that pass a point per second. Measured in Hertz (Hz).
  • Speed (c): The speed at which electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum. A constant value of approximately 3 x 10⁸ m/s.
  • Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a wave from its undisturbed position. Related to intensity.
  • Diffraction: Bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. More pronounced for waves with longer wavelengths.
  • Interference: The superposition of two or more waves, resulting in either constructive or destructive interference.

Wave-Particle Duality

  • Photon Energy (E): Energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency. Expressed by the equation: E = hν, where 'h' is Planck's constant.

Fundamental Equations

  • Relationship between frequency and wavelength: c = λν (speed of light equals wavelength times frequency)
  • Energy of a photon: E = hν (Energy equals Planck's constant times frequency)

Electromagnetic Spectrum Ranking

  • Frequency (High to Low): Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet (UV) light, Visible light, Infrared (IR) light, Microwaves, Radio waves.
  • Energy (High to Low): Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet (UV) light, Visible light, Infrared (IR) light, Microwaves, Radio waves
  • Wavelength (Long to Short): Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared (IR) light, Visible light, Ultraviolet (UV) light, X-rays, Gamma rays.
  • Visible Light Colors (High to Low Frequency): Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red

Particle Properties

  • Photoelectric Effect: The emission of electrons from a material when light shines on it. The energy of the light must exceed a threshold value, determined by the material and relating to the electron's binding energy.

Atomic Spectra

  • Atomic Emission Spectra: Each element emits light at specific wavelengths when excited, producing unique patterns for each element.
  • Atomic Absorption Spectra: Conversely, each element absorbs light at specific wavelengths, creating a unique pattern that, when compared against an emission spectrum, can be used to identify an element.

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