Waves and the EM Spectrum (CS2)

Front

What are electromagnetic (EM) waves?

Back

Electromagnetic waves are waves of energy that travel through space at the speed of light and include a range of types such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of EM radiation, organized by wavelength and frequency, from radio waves (longest wavelength) to gamma rays (shortest wavelength).

Front

How do radio waves and microwaves differ in their use?

Back

Radio waves are primarily used for communication (like radio and TV signals), while microwaves are used for cooking food and in radar technology.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency in EM waves?

Back

The relationship is inversely proportional: as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, causing objects to appear displaced or distorted.

Front

Why do objects appear a different color?

Back

Objects appear a different color based on the wavelengths of light they reflect; for example, a leaf appears green because it reflects green light and absorbs other colors.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (or about 300,000 kilometers per second).

Front

What happens to light when it passes through a prism?

Back

When light passes through a prism, it is refracted and separated into its component colors, creating a spectrum.

Front

What is the difference between infrared and ultraviolet light?

Back

Infrared light has longer wavelengths and lower frequencies than ultraviolet light, which has shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies.

Front

What is absorption in terms of light?

Back

Absorption is the process by which an object takes in light energy, preventing it from being reflected or transmitted.