CH03b Light as a Wave

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and the spreading out of waves when they pass through small openings.

Front

What is interference in wave physics?

Back

Interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern.

Front

What is the photoelectric effect?

Back

The photoelectric effect is the emission of electrons from a material when it absorbs light or electromagnetic radiation.

Front

What is black-body radiation?

Back

Black-body radiation refers to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a perfect black body in thermal equilibrium.

Front

What is a line spectrum?

Back

A line spectrum is a spectrum that contains only specific wavelengths of light, corresponding to the energy levels of electrons in an atom.

Front

What is the equation for calculating wavelength?

Back

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (or about 3.00 x 10^8 m/s).

Front

What happens to the wavelength when the frequency increases?

Back

When the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, as they are inversely related.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet in phase, resulting in a wave of greater amplitude.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet out of phase, resulting in a wave of reduced amplitude.