Light Waves / EM Spectrum

Light

a form of energy emitted by the sun

Transparent

Matter that allows all light to pass through

Translucent

Matter that allows some light to pass through

Opaque

Matter than does not allow light to pass through

Reflection

How light bounces off the surface of an object

Refraction

Light waves refract because the speed of light changes as it enters a new medium

Diffraction

Light waves bend around a barrier

Electromagnetic Waves

Does not require a medium to travel; travels through vacuum or empty space

Light waves

Form of mechanical energy as a longitudinal / electromagnetic wave that travels through a vacuum;

Absorption

occurs when light waves transfer energy to particles of matter & converts to heat; does not travel through

Reflected color

The color we see

Transmission

Occurs when light waves pass through an object without interacting

Prism

Refracts white light to cause a rainbow

Short wavelength =

High frequency; high energy

Low frequency=

long wavelength; low energy

Shadow

Happens when light hits an opaque object

Heat

Light converts energy to...

Visible light

All the light we can see on the electromagnetic spectrum; Used by humans to observe the world

Sunlight

White light

Light wavelengths determine a light's...

Energy

Gamma Rays

used to kill bacteria, and sterilize medical equipment; shortest wavelengths; highest frequency; highest energy

X-Rays

used to image bone structures

Ultraviolet Rays

used to kill bacteria, and sterilize medical equipment

Infrared

night vision, heat sensors, laser metal cutting

Microwaves

microwaves ovens; radar

Radio Waves

radio, television broadcast; longest wavelengths; lowest frequency; lowest energy

These waves are classified by their frequency

EM Waves

Anything that gives off heat radiates...

Infrared Waves