Physics Flashcards: Waves and Wavelengths

The separation of peaks in a wave, typically represented by the symbol λ (lambda).

The speed at which its wave peaks move.

The rate at which wave peaks pass a point in space, measured in Hertz (Hz).

<p>Wavelength x frequency = speed, or λ ν = c.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Electrons have a mass of $9 x 10^{-28}$ gm and a negative charge; protons have a mass of $2 x 10^{-24}$ gm and a positive charge; neutrons have a mass of $2 x 10^{-24}$ gm and no charge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Electric charges are surrounded by electric fields that extend to infinite distances and can exert forces on other charged particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Light is a vibrating electric field that causes electrons in the retina to vibrate, which is perceived as light.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The range of all types of light, from radio waves to gamma rays, most of which are invisible to the human eye.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Electromagnetic radiation is reflected or absorbed by atmospheric gases, but visible light largely passes through.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Atoms consist of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, with electrons whirling around the nucleus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hydrogen has 1 proton and no neutrons; helium has 2 protons and 2 neutrons; carbon has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nitrogen has 7 protons and 7 neutrons; oxygen has 8 protons and 8 neutrons; iron has 26 protons and 30 neutrons; uranium has 92 protons and 146 neutrons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A hot solid, liquid, or opaque gas emits light at all wavelengths, forming a continuous spectrum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A plot of the amount of light emitted at each wavelength, with intensity or flux typically on the vertical axis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It shows that the energy of a photon is proportional to its frequency, where h is Planck's constant.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>When an electron jumps from a higher to a lower energy level, it emits a photon that carries the energy difference.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Temperature measures how fast the atoms and molecules are moving.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<ol> <li>A hot solid, liquid, or gas gives off a continuous spectrum. 2. A hot, rarefied gas emits light at discrete wavelengths. 3. Light with a continuous spectrum passing through a cool gas produces an absorption line spectrum.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hot objects emit more energy than cool objects and have a continuous spectrum with a single broad maximum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>L = area × T⁴, where L is luminosity and T is temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The H-R diagram plots star temperature against luminosity, with higher temperatures on the left and lower temperatures on the right.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Stars are clustered in groups; main groups include Main Sequence, White Dwarfs, Red Giants, and Supergiants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Density is defined as mass divided by volume.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>V = (4/3) π R³.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>From their spectral type, color, and the wavelength of the peak in their continuous spectra.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>By analyzing the unique pattern of emission and absorption lines of each element.</p> Signup and view all the answers