Podcast
Questions and Answers
Light is a form of ______ radiation, a type of energy that travels through space.
Light is a form of ______ radiation, a type of energy that travels through space.
electromagnetic
In the early days, light was described exclusively as a ______ of energy capable of traveling through space.
In the early days, light was described exclusively as a ______ of energy capable of traveling through space.
wave
Wavelength (λ) determines ______ for visible light.
Wavelength (λ) determines ______ for visible light.
color
Frequency (ν) measures the number of ______ cycles that pass through a stationary point in one second.
Frequency (ν) measures the number of ______ cycles that pass through a stationary point in one second.
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There is an ______ relationship between wavelength and frequency.
There is an ______ relationship between wavelength and frequency.
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The distance between adjacent wave crests (or troughs) is known as the ______.
The distance between adjacent wave crests (or troughs) is known as the ______.
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White light, such as sunlight, contains a spectrum of ______ and color.
White light, such as sunlight, contains a spectrum of ______ and color.
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Each photon carries a certain, discrete amount of light ______, which is dependent on the frequency or wavelength of the light.
Each photon carries a certain, discrete amount of light ______, which is dependent on the frequency or wavelength of the light.
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The higher the frequency (or shorter the wavelength), the greater the ______ carried per photon.
The higher the frequency (or shorter the wavelength), the greater the ______ carried per photon.
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Light can also be viewed as a stream of ______ called photons.
Light can also be viewed as a stream of ______ called photons.
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This is known as the “______ duality nature of light” (i.e., light simultaneously possesses the characteristics of both waves and particles).
This is known as the “______ duality nature of light” (i.e., light simultaneously possesses the characteristics of both waves and particles).
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Study Notes
Properties of Light
- Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, a type of energy that travels through space.
Wavelength
- Wavelength (λ) is the distance between adjacent wave crests (or troughs), measured in meters (m).
- In visible light, wavelength determines color.
White Light
- White light (i.e., sunlight) contains a spectrum of wavelengths and color.
Frequency
- Frequency (ν) is the number of wave cycles that pass through a stationary point in one second, measured in s–1.
- There is an inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency.
Light as Electromagnetic Radiation
- Light is a form of energy that travels through space and is a type of electromagnetic radiation.
Wave Characteristics of Light
- Wavelength (λ) is the distance between adjacent wave crests (or troughs) and is measured in meters.
- Wavelength determines the color of visible light.
- White light (i.e., sunlight) contains a spectrum of wavelengths and colors.
Frequency of Light
- Frequency (ν) is the number of wave cycles that pass through a stationary point in one second and is measured in s–1.
- There is an inverse relationship between wavelength and frequency.
Photons and Wave-Particle Duality
- Light can also be viewed as a stream of "particles" called photons.
- Each photon carries a certain, discrete amount of light energy.
- The energy carried per photon depends on the frequency or wavelength of the light.
- The higher the frequency (or shorter the wavelength), the greater the energy carried per photon.
- Light exhibits wave-particle duality, simultaneously possessing the characteristics of both waves and particles, depending on the circumstances.
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Description
Test your understanding of light's properties, including wavelength, frequency, and white light. Learn how these concepts relate to electromagnetic radiation and color.
