Properties of Waves and Light

Properties of Waves

• Waves are vibrating physical disturbances that transmit energy
• Wavelength (λ) is the distance from one point on a wave to the same point on an adjacent wave.
• Frequency (ν) is the number of waves passing a point per unit time. Frequency is measured in cycles per second (s-1) or Hertz (Hz).
• Amplitude (Ψ) is the length of the electronic vector at the maximum wave.

The Wave Nature of Light

• Light exhibits wave-like properties
• Wavelength and frequency are inversely related.
• The speed of a wave is equal to the product of its wavelength and frequency (µ = 𝝀𝝂).
• Electromagnetic radiation (EM) is a form of energy that travels in waves.
• EM waves can be arranged in a spectrum based on their wavelength and frequency.
• The speed of light (c) is 3 x 10⁸ m/s,
• The relationship between the speed of light, wavelength, and frequency can be represented by the equation: c = 𝝀𝝂.

Waves

• A wave is a vibrating physical disturbance that transmits energy.
• Waves have three main properties: wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.
• Wavelength is the distance between the same point on two adjacent waves.
• Frequency is the number of waves passing a point per unit time, measured in hertz (Hz).
• Amplitude is the length of the electronic vector at a maximum wave.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

• The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation.
• Electromagnetic Radiation is a form of energy that travels as a wave.
• EM Radiation includes visible light, infrared and ultraviolet radiation, microwaves, radio waves, x rays, and gamma rays.

Wave Nature of Light

• Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional: When one increases, the other decreases.
• Wavelength and frequency are related by the equation: c = λν, where 'c' is the speed of light, 'λ' is the wavelength, and 'ν' is the frequency.
• The speed of light is 3 x 108 meters per second (m/s).