Overview
energy that is transferred by electromagnetic waves
What is electromagnetic radiation?
energy released from an electron returning to a lower energy level in the form of a "packet," according to Einstein
What is a photon?
the interaction of waves with other waves
What is interference?
used in medicine so that doctors can see bones and other internal structures; have wavelengths even shorter than ultraviolet light
What are x-rays?
a lens that focuses light rays to a single point
What is a converging lens?
a transverse wave composed of an oscillating electric field and a magnetic field that oscillates perpendicular to the electric field
What is an electromagnetic wave?
the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can see
What is visible light?
The interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude
What is constructive interference?
electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than those of visible light
What is ultraviolet light?
a lens that bends light rays outward
What is a diverging lens?
Newton's conclusion that a beam of light behaves the same as a stream of particles that all move in the same direction
What is particle theory?
The angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence
What is the law of reflection?
The interference that occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with a smaller amplitude
What is destructive interference?
Electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies
What are radio waves?
light-sensitive cells in the retina
What are rods and cones?
the complete range of wavelengths of electromagnetic waves
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
electromagnetic waves with wavelengths just shorter than microwaves
What is infrared light?
when light waves from the sun pass through dust/light molecules or particles, the particles can redirect the light waves
What is scattering?
have the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum; can penetrate just about anything
What are gamma rays?
The additive primary colors of light
What are green, red, and blue?
explains that electromagnetic radiation, including light, could behave as both a wave and a particle
What is wave-particle theory?
light waves that vibrate in only one plane
What is polarized light?
Since waves within a photon are electromagnetic, there is no need for ________ in order for light to travel.
What are atoms or molecules?
Radio waves with the shortest wavelengths and the highest frequencies
What are microwaves?
The subtractive primary colors
What are cyan, magenta, and yellow?